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Traffic lights and a new interchange system are part of a plan to address traffic congestion at one of the region’s busiest intersections.
An estimated 22,000 drivers travel daily through the Picton Road and M31 Hume Motorway intersection which is set to be upgraded.
A diverging diamond interchange has been proposed for the location and the Transport for NSW has sought feedback on the design.
“The road system is struggling to cater for high volumes of traffic in this area and it’s congested,” senior project development manager Peter Hawkins said.
“Factoring in the area’s predicted massive increase in population and commercial activity, long-term planning highlighted the need for a big infrastructure project – and this interchange is part of that project to upgrade Picton Road.”
The new Picton Road interchange would remove right-hand turn movements across oncoming traffic.
Instead, when entering the interchange, vehicles would cross over the road via traffic lights to the opposing side of the road.
Mr Hawkins said drivers would not be confused as clear line markings and traffic lights would ensure safe movement.
He said it was hoped the new interchange would lessen the pressure on the road system which would be tested with a predicted increase of 73,000 new homes in the surrounding McArthur and Wilton regions by 2040.
“Currently we’re not catering for the high volume of existing traffic, almost a quarter of which are heavy vehicles,” Mr Hawkins said.
Transport for NSW said the proposal would move high volumes of traffic through an intersection without increasing the number of lanes and traffic lights, would be easy to navigate, eliminated last-minute lane changes, and provided better sight distance at turns.
Mayor Matt Gould said the planned upgrade to the interchange was an urgent priority as it was “heavily gridlocked in the peak and the site of frequent accidents”.
“Our region is one of the fastest growing in the state, with new residents moving in every week, so it’s imperative the government commits funding for construction and gets the project underway urgently,” he said. “Council looks forward to a solution that is safe, efficient and can be delivered in a timely manner and that coherently integrates with development that is happening at Wilton, particularly the current works at Pembroke Parade.”
Transport for NSW assessed 13 different options for the interchange including double roundabouts, a four-way signalised intersection with and without a bridge, grade separated ramps, and loop interchanges.
Mr Gould said he was pleased to design had been released but was keen to understand more from Transport for NSW on how it would deliver safe and efficient travel for the community.
“We have invited them to brief us on the plans,” he said.
