A Port Stephens traffic engineer has called into question federally-funded upgrades to a Salamander Bay intersection, fearing it is only a matter of time before a serious collision occurs.
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Rob Caldwell, owner of Traffic Engineering Solutions, said he was “frustrated” by changes made to the Salamander Way and Town Centre Circuit intersection, funded through the federal government’s Black Spot Programme.
“It’s amazing someone has brought a Victorian-style intersection here without any consideration to NSW road rules,” Mr Caldwell said of the intersection.
“I don’t know how the federal government could approve the work when they don’t know anything about the area.”
The new intersection conditions sees drivers turning left onto Town Centre Circuit from Salamander Way having to give way to vehicles turning right into the street.
The question of who has right of way appears to have drivers confused.
Additionally, vehicles are hitting the small island built in the middle of the intersection.
A Port Stephens Council spokesperson said the intersection had been identified as a Black Spot due to the number injury collisions that had occurred there in the five years leading up to its funding application.
Councils submit specific projects requiring Black Spot funding to Roads and Maritime Services for evaluation.
“The measures put in place are designed to treat the specific crash types that were occurring at a particular site,” the council spokesperson said.
“The range of measures considered is restricted by the funding available.
“Roundabouts or traffic signals are more expensive treatments which were ruled out due to costs.”
Mr Caldwell, who has more than 50 years’ experience in the field, questioned a number of Black Spot funded areas around the Bay, but it was Town Centre Circuit that had “sparked” him off.
“The intersection is utterly confusing,” he said.
“The left turn give way must be removed.”
The council spokesperson said Black Spot changes are monitored and if a treatment was causing crashes, not reducing them, “then an alternative treatment would be required”.