To the Tuross Head Community Instead of celebrating the New Year break with too many glasses of attitude adjuster, I have taken account of all of the verbally expressed concerns and email suggestions put forward to me so far aimed at improving the overall safety of all road users negotiating the notorious T Intersection precinct of Hector McWilliam Drive and the Princes Highway. Based on that data I have now gone ahead and drawn up a sketch map to use as a basis for the on-site discussions with the RMS Road Network Manager and the other key ESC stakeholders on 12 Jan 17, noting also that this is very much a restricted attendance meeting with the nominated participants having been registered by the RMS Headquarters. As the hand drawn diagram is too far big to scan I have resorted to taking several photographs for readers to mull over and provide any feedback. It is to be appreciated that bids for road funding grants across Australian is extremely competitive and the amount of available funds is tight, none-the-less our stalwart Federal Member for Gilmore, The Hon Ann Sudmalis MP, who is also the Chair of the NSW roads Black Spot Program, has taken it upon herself to launch a Petition (copy here) which she will put it up on-line and on Face-book, but has asked the Tuross community to use copies of the Petition to canvass support to make the community case for obtaining targeted funding for the T Intersection safety upgrade. Ms Sudmalis wrote to the THPA: I am unable to attend the meeting on 11 January, I will endeavour to have a representative there on my behalf. However, as a quick update,; · RMS will look into accident or other reported incidents at this site as early as possible after their return from the Holiday Break. · There are other similar intersections not listed as Black Spot but funding has been gained by direct Government allocation, generally achieved as election commitments in response to community driven activities and please for assistance. · The new intersection proposed for Tomakin is an example, as this was committed during the 2016 election period. · I will endeavour to explore as many other funding avenues as possible as I know this really is a very dangerous intersection. I attach a copy of a petition and it would be great if you are able to circulate this, and arrange to collect and return to me by the end of February, which gives us about 6 weeks to make a fast campaign of raising community awareness. If you are able to let me know of any businesses that are happy to have the petition, please send me their address details and I’ll Facebook post that extra information on the 10th January. I will also have an on-line petition for this matter, which will go live on the 10th. Regards from Ann Sudmalis Federal Member for Gilmore The Tuross Head Progress Assoc suggested solution below is very much an upgrade and extension of the existing road infrastructure, given that a Round-about or a four leaf clover fly over and fly underpass is never going to happen! SUGGESTED SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS 1. Install narrow Median Strips as per diagram to segregate both exit and turning lanes. 2. Install STOP signs for the right turn exit from Hector McWilliam Drive. 3. Retain the single north & south through lanes on the Princes Highway. 4 Extend/continue the overtaking left lane on the northern approach all the way to the Tuross turnoff to facilitate left turn exit to Hector McWilliam Drive. 5. Construct an off-road Bus pick up & drop off Bay on the Princes Highway south side of the T intersection. 6 . Reduce the speed limit from 100 kph to 80 kph on Princes Highway 500meters in both directions to assist cars entering or exiting Hector McWilliam Drive (acceleration & deceleration). 7. Develop a Vehicle parking layby on the north east side of the T Intersection in area historically used for carpooling activity & the current long stay day & night parking.8. If necessary relocate existing BUS SHELTER 100 metres further north to existing vehicle layby area. 9. Improve Lighting at Intersection. JOHN TILBROOK, CSM, RFD, JP Vice President & Acting THPA Secretary
Above: Click on image to go to the highway intersection in Google Maps Street View and walk around the site
