John Donahoo, a former president of Medowie Progress Association, has also called for an increase in roads and drains infrastructure spending to keep pace with Medowie's new housing and school developments.

He believes that a pedestrian underpass was the most appropriate solution to the congestion on Medowie Road outside the newly opened Catherine McAuley catholic high school.

"A separate grade underpass under Medowie Road [to South Street] could solve the safety issue for children, while not disrupting passing traffic movements," Mr Donahoo said.

"The proposal would require the provision of a 2.4m high by 2.4m wide box culvert with about 100m long access walkways and retaining walls on either side of Medowie Road.

"This would allow for the construction of a large two-lane roundabout at the intersection of Medowie Road and South Street, and negate any need for traffic lights at that site. Traffic Lights have a high cost to a community from lost time for workers and inconvenience to others. Moreover, there are no significant maintenance costs for box culverts and roundabouts."

The proposal, however, does not have the support of Port Stephens Council, nor the high school.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle which operates the Medowie high school said that as late as this week Transport for NSW had provided a stamped plan and letter of approval for the traffic lights to be installed at the South Street intersection.

"The diocese had developed a proposal for a signalised crossing along Medowie Road, placing an emphasis on the safety of pedestrians," the spokesperson said.

"The projected cost of the upgrade is $4.5 million, which the diocese has agreed to fund. Following the approval from Transport for NSW, the diocese plans to commence construction of the crossing later this month and have it completed by late September 2021."

The crossing design was reflective of lengthy discussions held between the diocese with representatives from the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and Transport for NSW, as well as expert advice sought from independent traffic and road design engineers.

"The design also benefits motorists by improving access to and from the site of the school chapel, early education centre and expanding school."

A council spokesperson added that all pedestrian crossing options had been considered and that a street level crossing protected by traffic lights was the safest and best option. "An underpass is not viable as it would flood regularly."

The spokesperson said that final construction details for traffic lights were being signed off by an independent design verifier, Transport for NSW and the council. "We expect construction to begin this month."

Mr Donahoo said that his plan would allow 800mm for pavement thickness and culvert cover to level the walkways and a pipe on one side to drain away the water.

"In 1980 I arranged for a similar underpass to be provided under the Great Western Highway at Glenbrook at a cost of $140,000 at today's prices. However, as this proposal is markedly different, my estimate is $500,000-plus. The provision of a two lane roundabout at South Street would be additional to that cost."

Mr Donahoo said that infrastructure deficiencies could plague Medowie motorists in years to come.

"I believe a two-lane roundabout is needed at the intersection of Ferodale Road and Peppertree Road. Also, Lisadell and Brocklesby roads should be joined to provide an increase in road connectivity which in turn will reduce residents' travel time for intra-Medowie travel and travel to Raymond Terrace.

"The unlined drains at Kula Road need to be opened to improve road safety and surface reconstruction is urgently required at Fairlands Road.

"Other utilities in Medowie have been upgraded to meet the forecast load and these include the installation of the NBN, Water and Wastewater Augmentation, and the provision of an Electricity Zone Substation."

Mr Donahoo said that developer contributions from the massive increase in residential development, and state government funds should be used to pay for the infrastructure, "but so far all we have seen are a few cycleways. I fear that Medowie as a pleasant rural village is heading towards becoming yet another congested residential suburb."

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