<< Peninsula New 12 May 2008 - Upgrade to help buses turn >>

Upgrade to help buses turn

A $200,000 upgrade of the intersection of Pearl Beach Dr and Patonga Dr, Pearl Beach, has been listed by Gosford Council for future budget considerations in conjunction with the proposed upgrading of Pearl Beach Dr.

The upgrade would allow buses to turn from Pearl Beach to Patonga without having to cross onto the wrong side of the road.

Council has also resolved to undertake the interim measure of pruning foliage in the area to improve sight distances for drivers.

Busways' Occupational Health & Safety and Driver's Committee raised safety concerns about buses having to cross double lines onto the wrong side of the road to be able to negotiate the acute angle of the turn.

They also stated that visibility was poor once the bus was on the wrong side of the road.

The drivers were concerned that the new tavern at Patonga would mean "there will be a lot more traffic on Patonga Dr, increasing the risks involved with this turn".

Council's Design Section created a sketch of the intersection in question, incorporating a suitable truck/bus turning template, with an estimated modification cost in excess of $200,000. Council officers described the sketch as "the most relevant and suitable modification".

Council agenda TR.08.032, 6 May 2008