LANDSCAPING works have begun on a notorious intersection at Holder – instead of the slip lanes locals rallied for at the end of last year.
The Sturt Highway/Holder Top Road intersection was upgraded last year after a number of fatalities at the site.
However, when the intersection upgrades were completed in December 2019, a noticeable lack of slip lanes on either side of the road that at the time had residents “concerned” and Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone “flabbergasted”.
Since then, some cars turning from the highway onto Holder Top Road have cut through the gravel area to avoid slowing down traffic on the highway.
However, landscaping works have raised several mounds next to the intersection to stop drivers from cutting through the gravel.
Holder resident Ian Brock – who first contacted Mr Whetstone about the issue last year – said the additional costs would have been better spent on bitumen.
“At Holder, we do frequently hear truck horns going off near that intersection, and there’s skid marks on the road from where heavy vehicles have obviously had to hit the brakes because someone is turning from the highway,” he said.
“The original roadworks fixed the safety issue that was there, but (Holder residents) just don’t understand why they removed the slip lanes.
“Drivers were cutting through the gravel to get away from the traffic behind them, and now they don’t have that option.”
Mr Whetstone said the issue has been raised with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI).
“I’ve been in contact with Minister Knoll about the intersection,” Mr Whetstone said.
“I appreciate the community’s concerns and I have been out to see the site myself a number of times.
“The community and those who regularly use the intersection have a right to have their concerns heard and we are seeking an update from DPTI.”