Hunter region

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

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is proposing safety and traffic flow improvements at Main Road and Minmi Road, Edgeworth.

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. RMS is also planning to install pedestrian fencing in the median on Main Road between Minmi Road and Callan Street. A new pedestrian crossing would be installed on the western side of the Main Road and Minmi Road traffic lights to improve access for pedestrians. This project is funded by the NSW Government.

We invite your comments by Monday, 5 December 2011.

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 has been assessed as the best way to improve pedestrian safety.

2007 traffic counts show 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

  • Pedestrian fencing in the median on Main Road between Minmi Road and Callan Street (pedestrians could use traffic lights at either end of the fence).
  • Providing a second right turn lane for traffic turning from Main Road into Minmi Road, in the existing parking lane to improve traffic flow through the intersection.
  • Providing a new pedestrian crossing on the western side of the Main Road and Minmi Road traffic lights.

Parking Impacts

The proposal would require removing of on-street parking adjacent to the shopping centre on Main Road.

Parking is provided on-site for this shopping centre.

The proposal also requires removal of 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.