Yeoval: Community petition created to install a roundabout at an intersection

Residents of a rural town have rallied together to implement changes to a major intersection, “before someone loses a life”. See what residents have to say below.

Hundreds have signed a petition calling on a council in the state’s west to install a roundabout at an intersection as residents say a fatality is bound to happen.

Zach Millstead, of Yeoval, 68km south of Dubbo, created a petition to express the community’s interest in installing a roundabout at the Forbes and Obley Rd intersection.

The intersection is guarded by “give way” signs on Obley Rd, however, Mr Millstead has witnessed four collisions and “hundreds of near misses” in the five years he has been working at Billabong Takeaway.

Yeoval resident Zach Millstead. Picture: Supplied.

He told The Dubbo News his incentive for creating the petition was to “get more eyes on it because it’s very dangerous”.

“I just thought that if we get a bit of steam behind it, we can get something done,” Mr Millstead said. “A lot of locals have nearly had accidents.

“We have the signs up, but people just don’t stop.”

Obley Rd and Forbes Rd intersection at Yeoval. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Millstead has expressed his concern saying “a lot of locals have been complaining about the intersection for a while” but nothing has been done.

“I just hope something gets done before someone loses a life,” he said.

Truck not giving way at Yeoval intersection.

A Cabonne Council spokesman said the issue has been identified by the local traffic committee as a concern.

“It has been agreed that advanced warning signage improvements such as ‘give way’ ahead painting on the bitumen, as well as undertaking tree removal to open up the view of the intersection is warranted,” the spokesman said.

“A review of those improvements once they are installed will consider whether further evaluation is required.

“Currently a roundabout at the intersection is not being considered, to give an opportunity for other improvements to be undertaken.”

Council said an estimated cost based on “experience and location” a roundabout would cost “upwards of $1.8 million to be constructed”.

The petition currently has 316 signatures with an aim of 500 signatures.