Motorists are urging the council to take action on a road in Wollongong's south-west that they say forces them to dodge potholes and crumbling edges amid increasing traffic.
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Marshall Mount Road stretches from Penrose in the north to Calderwood, most of it falling within Wollongong City Council's territory.
Dan Park, who lives in the area, described the condition of the road as "a joke".
"It's deteriorated to the point it's dangerous, very dangerous," Mr Park said.
He said the worst stretch of road ran between North Marshall Mount Road and Marshall Mount Creek - the boundary between Wollongong and Shellharbour.
This contained potholes a metre wide and 15 centimetres deep, he said, on a narrow road with bends and a rise.
"It's only a matter of time until there's a serious accident," Mr Park said.
He said new housing developments and the Albion Park Rail bypass had pushed more traffic onto Marshall Mount Road, only exacerbating the problems.
"I don't think [the council] understand the high volume of traffic," he said.
Kathy East is another resident who is growing increasingly concerned that the road is "falling apart".
"After every rain event the potholes they patched five or 10 times always wash out," Miss East said.
She said the road also saw more vehicles whenever the Illawarra Highway was closed.
The road could not wait another five, 10 or 15 years to be upgraded, Miss East said.
She wants to see the council completely reseal the road because patching has proved to be inadequate.
Dapto resident Sherie Hornung said she had damaged her car hitting potholes along the road.
A regular user of the thoroughfare, she too has seen the road's condition deteriorate over time.
"It's just very dangerous coming through there," Miss Hornung said.
A council spokesperson said Marshall Mount Road was identified in the West Dapto Access Strategy and included in the area's development contributions plan, which levied payments from developers to fund road infrastructure projects.
The spokesperson also said that the council's infrastructure plan provided for a concept design for the road to be developed between 2021-22 and 2023-24.
"Undertaking the development of a concept design also allows council to pursue grant funding opportunities that may provide financial support for the road construction itself," they said.
"However, in the short-term, council has plans to reconstruct a section of the pavement and asphalt surface of Marshall Mount Road."
This section is the one of most concern to residents, between the creek and North Marshall Mount Road, and work is due to begin next financial year.
"We will continue to carry out minor maintenance on Marshall Mount Road, as required, until the road is reconstructed," the spokesperson said.
Community members are urged to report road issues to the customer service team on 4227 7111 or through the council's website.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
