Alannah Sobolewski crash site: Criticism over Band-Aid solution

A deadly stretch of road is yet to be upgraded, more than six months after the death of a five-year-old. The local MP is now calling the proposed works a ‘Band-Aid’ solution.

An MP has slammed the state government for what he says is a temporary “Band-Aid” to an accident black spot where a 5-year-old was killed earlier this year.

Edmond Atalla, MP for Druitt, joined Blacktown Council mayor Tony Bleasdale in calling out

Transport NSW for requests “falling on deaf ears” over Rooty Hill Road North near Drysdale Crescent.

In March this year, five-year-old Alannah Sobolewski died and her mother was seriously injured when a car collided with them.

Cr Bleasdale held a meeting with senior staff from the office of the Minister for Transport following the tragedy.

Mum Taylor Maddock and her daughter Alannah Sobolewski.

“Transport for NSW is currently investigating our request on behalf of the grieving family, to initially provide temporary traffic lights at the crossing, while a permanent upgrade of Rooty Hill Road North is developed,” the mayor said.

In April this year, Transport for NSW repainted the refugee island and increased the size of the pedestrian crossing.

But to date no lights have been put in place.

Tributes placed at Rooty Hill Road pedestrian crossing where a 5 year-old girl lost her life in March 2021. Picture: Ben Talintyre

A Blacktown Council spokeswoman said it had made “numerous representations” to the NSW and Australian governments over the last decade to have the road upgraded to four lanes. “Unfortunately, the NSW Government still has not allocated funding towards planning, designing or building the proposed upgrade,” the spokeswoman said.

“In January 2021, Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale wrote to the NSW Minister for Transport and Roads to expedite the upgrade of Rooty Hill Road corridor to at least four lanes, including Rooty Hill Road North, Woodstock Ave, Duke Street, Railway Street, Francis Road, and duplication of the Davis Overpass over the Main Western Railway line at Rooty Hill.

“The Davis Overpass on Francis Road is heavily congested in the peak hours and much of the day, as it is a two-lane road that carries an average of over 33,400 vehicles each day, with a single lane in each direction.

“The Overpass is one of only two non-tolled road crossings over the Main Western Railway line, the other is Carlisle Ave which is a four-lane state road.”

Mr Atalla MP said while any improvements were welcome the current proposed solution was just putting a Band-Aid on the issue.

“For many years we have been lobbying the NSW Government for the upgrade of Rooty Hill Rd North from Railway Street all the way to Richmond Road,” he said. “Our requests have been falling on deaf ears. We deserve more than little Band-Aid measures and more realistic permanent solutions.”

A spokesman for Transport for NSW said: “In June this year, Transport for NSW invited the community to provide feedback on proposed upgrades to improve motorist and pedestrian safety on Rooty Hill Road North near Drysdale Crescent and Bottles Road at Plumpton.

“Outcomes of the consultation, including next steps, will be made available to the community soon.”

Rooty Hill Road pedestrian crossing where a young girl lost her life after being struck by a car in March 2021. Picture: Ben Talintyre