Re "Traffic snarls outside new supermarket" (Leader, October 16) and subsequent letters to the editor.
I have been amazed by the complaints from present and former political representatives regarding traffic problems after the opening of Woolworths in Roberts Avenue, Mortdale.
I have lived in this area for more than 30 years and use this route quite frequently.
First, I must ask why was a supermarket allowed to be built in this location, given known traffic concerns and that there are at least eight other supermarkets within five kilometres of this store. One is also a Woolworths store.
Second, traffic along this road — as everywhere in Sydney — has increased dramatically over the years.
But as approval was given to build, why was Woolworths allowed to construct its entrance in Roberts Avenue, when logic suggests the entrance should have been in Depot Road, which is already serviced by a roundabout to Roberts Avenue?
I agree I have seen at times considerable traffic hold-ups for westbound right-turning traffic into Woolworths. Constructing a roundabout or traffic lights at this location would be even more dangerous than the current situation, especially in peak hour.
To explain, the westbound descent in Roberts Avenue is 800 metres long and to have lights or a roundabout near the bottom of such a steep descent is a recipe for disaster.
Roberts Avenue is a significant arterial. Adding another bottleneck is not the brightest of solutions.
Woolworths has ample ability to negotiate a more sensible solution with Hurstville Council. Do a land swap and move the entrance to Depot Road.
Graham McDonald, Peakhurst
