Hunter region

Safety and traffic improvements at Main Road and Minmi Road, Edgeworth

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is proposing to provide two right turn lanes for westbound traffic from Main Road into Minmi Road Edgeworth to improve safety and traffic flow. This would add to the pedestrian fencing on Main Road between Minmi Road and Callan Street and a new pedestrian crossing on the western side of the Main Road and Minmi Road traffic lights.

The NSW Government is funding this work.

Background

In the five year period between January 2004 and December 2008 there were 19 crashes, including nine crashes at the intersection of Main Road and Minmi Road that resulted in injuries to people.

Since November 2008 there have been three pedestrians injured while crossing Main Road between Minmi Road and Callan Street. The pedestrian fence and additional pedestrian crossing installed earlier this year were assessed as effective ways to improve pedestrian safety at this location.

2007 traffic counts recorded over 450 vehicles per hour making the right turn into Minmi Road during the morning and afternoon peak hours. There are long queues for this movement because there is only one right turn lane available and the proposal aims to improve traffic conditions by providing an additional lane for right turning vehicles.

Features of the proposal

Providing a second right turn lane for traffic turning from Main Road into Minmi Road, by using the existing parking lane to improve traffic flow through the intersection.

Parking impacts

The proposal would require removing 15 on-street parking spaces adjacent to the shopping centre on Main Road. Parking is provided on-site for this shopping centre. The proposal would also require removal of eight parking spaces near the intersection on the western side of Minmi Road, over a length of 75 metres. The removal of parking would be required to allow for traffic to turn in two lanes onto Minmi Road.

Further information

For further information please contact the Project Manager Craig Walker NSW Roads and Maritime Services, Locked Bag 30 Newcastle NSW 2300.