Tesch asks RMS for more time for resident engagement

Blackwall Road, Woy woy. Image:

Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch is asking for residents of Farnell Rd, Woy Woy, to be given more time to voice their concerns over proposed upgrades along Blackwall Rd.

She said changes proposed included new traffic lights at Blackwall and Farnell Rds, major changes at Macmasters Rd intersection, upgrades including kerb and guttering along Farnell Rd, and a raised pedestrian crossing near Victoria Rd and Blackwall Rd.

Ms Tesch said they believed the changes would have a negative impact on residents and traffic flow.

“Blackwall Rd is a major thoroughfare to Woy Woy CBD and transport hub and it is vital that traffic flows smoothly and effectively,” she said.

“The Roads and Maritime Service must allow time for the community to fully engage and understand the proposed changes to Blackwall Rd,” Ms Tesch said.

“We need to get this right for all users.”

Residents Mr Harvey McDougall, Mr Nick Lock, Ms Rose Powell and Ms Suraya Coorey expressed their worry around the short consultation period before work was due to commence.

“The proposed extra set of traffic lights at Farnell Rd and the widening of the lanes will cause traffic chaos and the loss of trees is also worrying,” Mr McDougall said.

Concerned by a lack of information to residents who will be impacted, Ms Tesch has called on the Service to extend the consultation period and has written to the Minister to request more time for residents to consider these major upgrades.

Designs and community updates on the project were available to view electronically at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/blackwall-rd-and-memorial-ave-intersection-upgrades/index.html

SOURCE:
Media release,11 Mar 2020
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford