Labor has pledged to spend $40 million to improve an intersection that no one has complained to Roads and Maritime Services about.
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Last week, NSW Labor leader Luke Foley was in the city to join local MPs and Wollongong candidate Paul Scully in launching a $200 million jobs plan.
Part of that plan included $40 million for a new interchange at the Masters and Springhill roads intesection.
“One of the growing frustrations of motorists using these key roads is the congestion in the morning and afternoon peak periods due to the existing intersection,” Labor’s Jobs Action Plan stated.
Mr Scully initially said RDA Illawarra was calling for the project, later stating he had heard complaints about the intersection while doorknocking residents in the area.
However, an RMS spokesman said they had not heard from anyone about issues with the intersection.
“Roads and Maritime Services has received no complaints from the community about the Springhill and Masters Road intersection,” the RMS spokesman said.
The spokesman said RMS was looking at work along Springhill Road at either side of the intersection in question – but not at the intersection itself.
“Investigations are under way to improve the Five Islands and Springhill Road intersection, which remains a priority based on feedback from the community,” the spokesman said.
“A section of Springhill Road between Keira Street and Masters Road will be investigated for potential safety and traffic efficiency improvements next year, as part of the Port Kembla Access Strategy review, subject to funding.”
Red-light cameras were installed at the intersection in December 2013.
The latest review of the cameras’ performance showed the total number of casualties had dropped since installation.
There were 17 casualties in the five years prior to installation and just three in the first year after the red-light cameras were in place.