Central Coast Council is currently seeking feedback on the proposed traffic calming installation works outside 32 Wards Hill Rd in Killcare Heights.
In a letter sent out to residents on February 21, Lead Traffic Engineer, Jaron Gawne, said the proposed works aimed to improve safety by slowing down traffic.
The proposed works would include a painted threshold treatment in the traffic lanes, two concrete islands in the shoulder of the road, and the installation of a vehicle-activated LED speed sign.
The proposal was largely praised online with residents stating it was a “great idea” and “anything that slows the 80km/h bolters going past the Stewart St turning has to be welcomed”.
Some residents suggested the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Wards Hill Rd and Empire Bay Dr, with several locals suggesting “[it’s a] nightmare” getting through the intersection.
Works were expected to start in April and be complete by the end of June.
The Federal Government has contributed $170,000 through its Black Spot Program which aims to improve safety on roads where crashes occur.
Council said feedback must be submitted in writing quoting reference number D15051273 by close of business on March 4 to trafficcontrol@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or by post to: Traffic team, Engineering Services Unit, Central Coast Council, PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259.
Maisy Rae
The construction of a roundabout at the end of Wards Hill Road / Empire Bay Drive is absolutely vital to ensure the safety of traffic using this hazardous intersection. The number of near misses as traffic wants to turn right onto Empire Bay Drive is hair raising. This is particularly concerning when it is school time and there is a backup of traffic leading to Empire Bay School. Traffic wanting to turn right at the end of Wards Hill Road onto Empire bay Road is at a standstill. Their need to turn right but stalled makes for some very bad decision as people get frustrated from lack of vision. The need for a roundabout is much more IMPORTANT!!!
Completely agree that a roundabout at the corner of Wards Hill Rd and Empire Bay is desperately needed. I’ve witnessed some very close calls and have felt sorry for some older drivers being “pushed” to turn into fast oncoming traffic. An accident is surely on the horizon, let’s hope it’s not fatal!
The bigger black spot is the intersection at the bottom of Ward’s Hill Road. The top of Ward’s Hill Road is fast becoming another danger area because of poor visibility and increased traffic.
I don’t understand why council would put a bandaid on a section of road that safer than these two intersections.
I applaud the idea and look forward to the active result. A roundabout as suggested at the bottom of Wards Hill Road and Empire Bay Drive would be a positive I feel. Also, the uphill stretch Of Heath Road (running from Araluen North) is a speeders heaven, and once again reaching (estimated) of 80kph. The same is the case on the Scenic Road, running west to Maitland Bay Drive. Once again, thank you for taking action.
The Wards Hill Rd/Scenic Rd intersection is a death trap when coming from Empire Bay to turn right into Scenic Rd. Cars parked on the Empire Bay side of Scenic Rd completely obstruct the view of any vehicle travelling south down Scenic Rd.
Totally agree with a roundabout at Empire Bay Drive and Wards Hill Road intersection l will often go Scenic Drive to avoid the intersection in busy times if I wish to get to Kincumber
Agree with all comments that a roundabout it much more important,
Get the State gov to supply a round about
Traffic calming devices also needed on The Scenic Road. Visitors and locals alike fly down this road.
Totally agree with a roundabout needed at intersection of Empire Bay Drive and Wards Hill Rd and another seriously dangerous corner is The turn off from Maitland Bay Drive onto Wards Hill Rd, towards Empire Bay due to no visibility at the crest of the Hill.
All comments are valid especially the “bandaid” approach to the lesser problematic section of Wards Hill Road. The Empire Bay intersection is a continued source of driver frustration due to poor planning, however, the Scenic Rd intersection is potentially lethal! Please don’t wait for a “fatal’ before considering a calming zone after the Maitland Bay turn off. Few respect the 50km signage. We live opposite that intersection and (especially on weekends) hear the break-screaming and horn-tooting; it is a disaster waiting to happen! Please don’t let it!