NSW Government announces $173m for Heathcote Rd upgrade
The State Government’s $173 million funding package for Heathcote Rd has come under fire with action yet to be seen on a vital part of the road’s proposed upgrade.
Liverpool
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The State Government’s $173 million funding package for Heathcote Rd has come under fire with action yet to be seen on a vital part of the road’s proposed upgrade.
NSW Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Melinda Pavey and Holsworthy state Liberal MP Melanie Gibbons last week announced the multimillion-dollar budget commitment to duplicate 2.2km of Heathcote Rd between Infantry Pde in Holsworthy and The Avenue in Voyager Point.
In a statement, Ms Gibbons said the upgrade would widen the road to two lanes in each direction to reduce congestion.
“The upgrade would also improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity providing a key link for drivers, pedestrians or cyclists to Holsworthy Train Station and the Holsworthy Army Barracks,” Ms Gibbons said.
The package also provides funds to widen the existing bridge across the Woronora River at Engadine.
However, there was no mention of fast-tracking the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Heathcote Rd and The Avenue, which residents say is needed now to improve safety.
Labor candidate for Holsworthy and Liverpool councillor Charishma Kaliyanda said she was glad the stretch of Heathcote Rd between Holsworthy and Voyager Point was “getting the attention it deserves”.
“It’s been on the agenda for at least nine or 10 years now, so to finally get to this level — I think it’s been a long time coming,” she said.
But she said Voyager Point residents remained concerned about the intersection of The Avenue and Heathcote Rd, where a mother-of-two died in a car crash in 2017.
The junction is known among residents as a black spot for near-misses and minor accidents as well as more serious crashes.
In September 2017, the speed limit on Heathcote Rd between Macarthur Dr and The Avenue was reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h.
The government’s planned Heathcote Rd upgrade proposes traffic lights at The Avenue intersection, but the project is still in its early stages with the RMS carrying out investigation work this year to inform a detailed design for the upgrade.
Construction is not expected to begin until 2020.
Ms Kaliyanda said she had been working with Liverpool Council’s traffic engineers to lobby the government to fast track the installation of traffic lights at The Avenue.
“I’m a little bit disappointed the traffic lights haven’t been fast tracked,” Ms Kaliyanda said.
“It actually needs more concrete action to be taken.”
It is a move supported by Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller who, earlier this year, said traffic lights at the intersection were needed “as a matter of urgency”.
“People need to be able to leave home without putting themselves at risk,” Cr Waller said at the time.