Transport for NSW has agreed to review its proposed upgrade of the Elanora Road intersection on Wakehurst Parkway following strong community warnings that it could lead to serious injuries or deaths.
The review is necessary, despite the project being in the late stages of planning and with final designs already drafted. It follows sustained pressure from locals, the Elanora Heights Residents Association, and direct intervention from Jacqui Scruby MP - including formal representations to the Minister for Roads and a Question on Notice (QON 104213) demanding answers on how safety risks would be addressed.
“This is a major shift. TfNSW does not ordinarily reopen designs at this stage, so I am grateful to TfNSW and the Minister for Roads for listening to my representations and the community. I respect the road engineers and TfNSW, and wouldn’t ordinarily challenge expert decisions, but anyone driving this intersection can see that the risk of accident may increase by running a two-way gauntlet. It’s great TfNSW is taking a common sense approach and reviewing the designs,” Ms Scruby said.
Residents have repeatedly warned that the current design fails basic safety expectations and risks making a dangerous intersection even more hazardous. Ms Scruby has called for the ‘seagull lane’ to be widened and properly engineered, saying it is the safest option from both expert and community perspectives.
“At this stage it’s only a review so I do want to manage community expectations. If an alternative is proposed it’s realistic to assume that there may be some cost implications or other road changes we need to adjust to as a compromise, but road safety needs to be the highest priority,” Ms Scruby said.
Ms Scruby noted that this would not delay the commencement of the Wakehurst Parkway upgrades or other sections of the road.