Council hosts Illawarra Highway “black spot” discussion
Wingecarribee Shire Council played host to a preliminary meeting held late last week to discuss safety concerns surrounding the intersection of the Illawarra Highway and Sheepwash Road at Burrawang.
The meeting was organised following two recent crashes in the vicinity of Sheepwash Road.
Joining Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Larry Whipper was the Member for Goulburn Pru Goward MP, Police from the Hume Local Area Command, senior management from the Roads and Maritime Services Southern Region and staff of Council.
“The meeting was called to discuss the most recent incidents which occurred at or near the intersection of the Illawarra Highway and Sheepwash Road,” the Mayor said. “Sadly one of these incidents resulted in a fatality.”
Issues discussed at the meeting included possible short, medium and long-term solutions for the intersection which has recorded nine serious crashes in the past five years.
Some of the measures discussed include a Roads and Maritime review of the speed zone on the Illawarra Highway in the vicinity of Sheepwash Road, potential signage improvements on the Sheepwash Road approaches to the Illawarra Highway and line marking at the intersection.
“Other short-term proposals raised include carrying out a speed survey in the area and reviewing existing signage.
“Roads and Maritime Services has also committed to investigations into a longer-term future upgrade of the intersection.”
At the conclusion of the meeting the Mayor stressed that no time frames had been set for any remediation.
“Today’s informal get together was an opportunity for all of the key stakeholders to sit down and discuss possible solutions to what will be a very complex and costly issue,” he said. “There is no quick and easy fix.”
“I thank all of the attendees for their invaluable insights, experience, suggestions and assistance,” the Mayor added.
“I’m confident that together we will be able to come up with a practical solution to help reduce the number of incidents at this intersection.
“In the interim I remind all drivers using this stretch of road to please obey the speed limits and warnings, drive to the conditions and always be mindful of your fellow motorists.”