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Roundabout plans for Cowper Rd

 

Gosford Council has approved a plan to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Mt Ettalong Rd, Cowper Rd and Sylvania Rd, Umina, at a cost of $600,000.

The work will include the provision of a raised median with pedestrian refuge in Mt Ettalong Rd, south of Sylvania Rd intersection.

A landscaping plan, including an artist's perspective drawing will be provided for the entire intersection prior to works commencing.

Councillors have resolved that they are to be informed as to when the kerb, guttering and footpath works in Mt Ettalong Rd, between Etta and Cowper Rds, will be undertaken.

The pedestrian facility in the "splitter island" on the southern side of the roundabout in Mt Ettalong Rd will be removed.

There will be provision of on-street parking outside the shop (on Mt Ettalong Rd and Sylvania Rd).

Pedestrian islands across three legs of the roundabout as part of the footpath link will be created.

Kerb and gutter to approximately 18 frontages will be provided.

It is believed that traffic calming will result from the deflection enforced by the roundabout.

A recent modification to this layout "tightened" the western and northern approaches, resulting in lower speeds from Cowper Rd to Mt Ettalong Rd.

A large Banksia near the intersection should be retained.

The right-turn facility from Sylvania Rd will be lost, as well as parking convenience within much of the roundabout in front of the shop.

Three power poles will have to be relocated and a medium eucalyptus tree next to the shop will have to be removed.

The reasons given for altering the configuration of the intersection were to:

Remove existing hazardous configuration.

Calm traffic along Mt Ettalong Rd. in both directions but especially from the south.

Prioritise traffic in all directions.

Channel traffic in all directions.

Create pedestrian facilities that enable safe crossing of Mt Ettalong and Cowper Rds.

Give amenity to traffic through the intersection and allow access to all roads.

Create amenity for access to properties, shop parking, bus zones, and the postal zone.

Tie into and utilise existing features such as drainage, pavements, and alignments.

The council report stated: "Formalisation of the intersection will be required to remove these potential conflicting movements and remedy the issues discussed."

Council agenda SF.049, October 8