RMS’s big promise on Northern Beaches Hospital roadworks
THE man in charge of roads surrounding the new Northern Beaches Hospital has revealed where and when the first stage of roadworks will be completed and how it will impact motorists.
Manly
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WORK on the road entrances and exits to the new Northern Beaches Hospital will be finished by the time it opens on October 30, authorities are promising.
And the improvements to roads leading to, and past, the hospital will improve travel times for peak hour commuters travelling through Frenchs Forest, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) said.
RMS’s Sydney executive director John Hardwick said Frenchs Forest and Naree roads would be reopened to two-way traffic before the end of the month to allow easy access to the hospital’s main entrance and Emergency department.
Motorists will also have improved access to busy intersections along Frenchs Forest and Naree roads including those with Wakehurst Parkway and Warringah Rd.
Mr Hardwick said travel times through the area would also improve when vehicles were moved onto the three upgraded eastbound lanes on Warringah Rd from Saturday, October 20.
The work along Frenchs Forest and Naree roads and the improved lanes on Warringah Rd were part of Stage One of the $500 million road network upgrade linked to the hospital.
Mr Hardwick said he was keen to have work along Frenchs Forest Rd finished before the HSC exams begin at The Forest High School on Thursday.
“The NSW Government is working hard to deliver an upgraded road network for the people of the northern beaches to support the new hospital and the growing area,” Mr Hardwick said.
“The is the first step in the improvements (the community) were hoping for.”
Mr Hardwick stressed that the main entry to the hospital was on Frenchs Forest Rd.
“All of the works along there will be completed by the opening.
“The alternate entrance, a left turn in and left turn out on Warringah Rd will also be ready.”
Mr Hardwick urged motorists travelling to the new hospital to plan their journeys until they become more familiar with the new traffic arrangements.
He also confirmed that measures would be put in place to enable HSC students to get to exams on time.
Police on motorbikes, CCTV cameras and tow trucks poised to remove broken-down cars will be used to make sure HSC students do not get caught up in road works. Transport authorities could also change traffic light phases so HSC students were not delayed.
Mr Hardwick said moving traffic onto the new eastbound lanes on Warringah Rd would allow work to go ahead on the 1.3km four-lane Warringah Rd underpass.
“Work to build the underpass and the three road bridges at Forest Way, Hilmer St and Wakehurst Parkway will continue through 2019.
“Once this project is complete, local traffic and heavy vehicles will be able to enjoy a faster journey to and from Chatswood and the city from Dee Why, Brookvale, Seaforth and other parts of the northern beaches.
“The community and motorists are thanked for their continued patience and will continue to be kept updated.”
RMS also reminded motorists that Wakehurst Parkway, between Frenchs Forest Rd and Warringah Rd, was now closed until 5am Monday morning to allow road works.
For the latest traffic updates call 132701 or visit livetraffic.com