A notorious Peakhurst traffic blackspot has become safer with the opening of a new roundabout.
Banks MP David Coleman has welcomed the opening of the roundabout at the intersection of Belmore Road and Clarendon Road following strong support from local residents.
The intersection has been the scene of numerous accidents over the year including one in 2010 where police commissioner Andrew Scipione was involved in two-car crash which saw him, his wife and another motorist taken to hospital for treatment of their injuries.
The new single-lane roundabout, which recently opened to traffic, was funded under the Federal Government’s Blackspot Program.
“For a number of years, I have been speaking with local residents who were concerned about safety at this intersection,” Mr Coleman said.
“It was one of the worst intersections in Banks, and I’m pleased that we were able to secure Federal funding for this project.”
Last year’s federal budget provided $193,000 for the construction of a single lane roundabout at the intersection.
Residents have been calling for improvements to the intersection followoing a number of traffic accidents.
They said the volume of traffic using the intersection had tripled over the last few years as a result of development in the area.
Mr Coleman said, in late 2015, he conducted a community survey, which indicated a high level of concern from residents in the area about safety at the intersection.
“For residents of Peakhurst, Lugarno and Riverwood, who use this intersection every day, this roundabout will address concerns about safety, speeding and pedestrian access on Belmore Road,” Mr Coleman said.
“Thank you to all the residents of Peakhurst and surrounding suburbs who raised their concerns with me.”