PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has reinforced the urgency for action at the Houston Mitchell Drive and Pacific Highway black spot calling on the state and federal government to act on safety improvements and advocate for funding.
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The matter was raised the the March ordinary council meeting and comes after the tragic death of a motorcyclist at the intersection days following a recommended highway speed reduction to 100kmh.
Residents concerned about the highway black spot have been rallying for several years for a flyover or overpass. They say there is a human cost to inaction at the dangerous highway intersection.
Infrastructure director Dan Bylsma said while the response from the state government has been "light" in terms of information on plans for the intersection, there continues to be strong community advocacy for safety improvements.
"Updates, as brief as they have been from Transport for NSW, there are plans afoot to address some of inherent safety concerns around that intersection. We will await advice from the state (government) around those changes," Mr Bylsma said.
Transport for NSW completed a speed zone review in consultation with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and NSW Police. The reduction implemented several weeks ago brings the speed zone into line with other similar intersections on the Pacific Highway.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said the review was completed in accordance with the NSW Speed Zoning Guidelines, which considered a number of factors like roadside development, traffic data and crash history.
Council will move to review the Transport for NSW guidelines for safety upgrades on state roads while also advocating both Mrs Williams and Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie for safety upgrade/black spot funding.
Cr Peter Alley said this should be "at the top of the priority list".
Dr Gillespie said the next phase of investment in the Pacific Highway upgrade program must include overpasses and interchanges at critical intersections where there has been several fatal accidents and increased traffic flows in recent years.
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