Residents win: roundabout approved for “dangerous” Balgowlah Heights intersection
Residents have won a two year battle to get Northern Beaches Council to make safety improvements at the Bareena Drive and Vista Ave intersection.
Manly
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The council has approved a roundabout at a busy Balgowlah Heights intersection which was deemed “dangerous” as drivers were observed frequently missing the stop sign where families and schoolchildren crossed the road.
Concerns about the Bareena Drive and Vista Ave intersection were raised by a group of fed up residents who had been calling for action over a period of two years.
Resident Wendy contacted the Daily to thank Councillor Sarah Grattan for being an advocate on the issue, which continues to be one of the biggest talking points in the suburb.
“I’ve seen far too may cars go through and not stop. Everyone in our street has had some incident over the years, my mother nearly got killed. It’s a safety concern,” Wendy said.
“The whole suburb talks about it and I had more time on my hands so I thought I’m going to do something about it.
“A group of us talked and thought a roundabout would be the best solution. Everyone in the community has been very happy with the outcome, we couldn’t have done it without Cr Sarah Grattan.”
Cr Sarah Grattan made the announcement that the traffic committee had approved the project on June 13.
She told the Manly Daily the intersection was “dangerous” after previously publishing a Facebook post, stating there had been reports of “speeding issues”.
“The intersection of Bareena Drive and Vista Ave is an increasingly busy spot that requires some safety improvements,” Cr Grattan said.
“This issue has become even more acute with so many locals working and playing closer to home and using Tania Park for daily exercise.
“Following an approach from the community, I was able to work with the Traffic team at Council to identify possible short and medium term solutions to this intersection.”
The councillor said she was looking forward to seeing progress and the next stages included detailed design, budget identification and construction.
According to council documents, the project will include construction of a mountable concrete roundabout and “cut outs” in splitter islands to help pedestrians cross.
It will also have pram ramps that will link to footpath connections, which will be installed clear of vehicle turning paths.
Manly state Liberal MP James Griffin had also stepped in a bid to fast track the project after speaking to residents.
“Almost 1,200 vehicles use Bareena Drive every day including locals, tour groups to Dobroyd Head, sporting groups and cyclists,” Mr Griffin said.
“I’m delighted to have assisted those people who have contacted me to get this done. It is good to get a win alongside the community to improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
“Now it is up to council to finish the design and commence construction.”