Resident suggests safer solution
A LOCAL resident has described the Mitchell Highway near Maryvale as ‘extremely hazardous’ following the announcement that Transport for NSW plans to spend $4.87 million on upgrades in the area.
Roger Everett said it has been the site of several serious accidents including a number of fatalities.
“I recall four serious accidents in the last few years,” he said, describing two fatalities and two serious accidents where vehicles entering the highway at intersections were wiped out.
Mr Everett said all the Maryvale intersections with the Mitchell Highway between Whiteley’s Lane and Ponto Falls Road are extremely hazardous for traffic turning off the highway.
He indicated that the planned addition of ‘flexible safety barriers, road widening and intersection upgrades’ would not be enough of a solution to the issue.
“I really cannot see any benefit by installing “flexible safety barriers” as an after-accident alternative,” he said.
“That and dual carriageways in both directions, with markings on the pavement indicating a turning lane is required.
“Visibility due to vegetation is frequently a problem and with the substantial increase in traffic now entering the highway from new residential developments in Maryvale, the accident potential is multiplied proportionally.”
Mr Everett said there are many ‘near misses’ on the highway as drivers attempt extremely dangerous passing manoeuvres in frustration, particularly with the restrictions on learner drivers impacting their ability to drive to the speed limit.
He also pointed out there had been several car fires on the highway in the last few years and high speed traffic has been hazardous for the volunteers of the Maryvale Fire Brigade when they are called to these fires and every accident between Whiteley’s Lane and Ponto Falls Road.
“The Ponto Falls Reserve has also become a very popular free campsite and up to 60 caravans and campers have been camped there on many occasions.
“Almost any day, at least 18 to 20 slower moving caravans and camper trailers enter and leave the highway each day at Maryvale.
“For a few months now, there have also been at least an additional 30 gravel truck movements onto and off the highway with sand and gravel for the solar farms.”
Mr Everett believes that dual lanes in each direction between Dubbo and Wellington would enable more orderly road use and safe passing, particularly with commuters at peak times.
“Dual carriageway in both directions with turning lane pavement indications at intersections and the seven residential property entrances on this stretch of highway is the solution,” he said.
“A dual carriageway up the Maryvale Hill will enable the safe passing of trucks and farm vehicles.”