Petition demands traffic lights set at Bruxner Highway’s ‘dangerous intersection’ in Lismore
“Near accidents happen daily” at this notorious intersection, and residents say it’s time for the government to take their concerns seriously.
Lismore
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An online petition is gathering support for a set of proposed traffic lights on the Bruxner Highway to be installed at the Dawson Street intersection.
Currently, the state government’s plan is to install lights at the intersection of Ballina Road and Molesworth Street.
The plan by Transport for NSW is currently seeking community feedback.
But the online petition said the Dawson Street roundabout was “a dangerous intersection where near accidents happen daily”.
“Heavy haulage trucks use this roundabout and are unable to negotiate the tight roundabout, frequently mounting the pedestrian curbs,” the petition states.
“Traffic lights on Molesworth / Ballina Rd will not address this issue.
“Traffic lights are needed for pedestrians to cross safely to reach Lismore CBD, Aldi, Farmer Charlie’s Fruit and Vegetable and the small mixed food centre on Ballina Road.”
You can sign the online petition here.
The petition also explained that collisions at the Molesworth Street roundabout could be alleviated with the introduction of right-hand-only turning lane at Three Chain Road/Bruxner Highway.
“If lights proceed at the Molesworth Street intersection, it will cause additional traffic flow in Dawson, Parkes and James Streets,” the petition stated.
“The upgrade of the Molesworth Street intersection will not solve issues for local residents but will increase traffic congestion on the two lane Ballina Road Bridge and further exacerbate the congestion already experienced at the Hollingsworth Creek Bridge.”
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the government had made “significant changes” to its pledge to fix traffic congestion and improve safety on the Bruxner Highway in Lismore.
The move will deliver downtown Lismore’s second set of traffic lights.
Ms Saffin said the pledge was made in February 2019, ahead of the last NSW election.
Regional Transport and Roads Minister, Paul Toole, invited the local community to have its say on the proposed safety improvements for the intersection.
According to Transport for NSW documents, the main benefit of the proposed design, compared to other options considered, was the minimum impact on Lismore’s Heritage Park.
Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to send their submissions on the proposed improvements by completing the online survey at yoursay.transport.nsw.gov.au/molesworth, via email to region.north@transport.nsw.gov.au or by post to Molesworth Street Upgrade Project Team, Transport for NSW, PO Box 576, Grafton NSW 2460 by Friday July 30.
For further information about the proposal, including a design layout, go to https://nswroads.work/molesworthstreet
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