Plans for more clearways through Bulli and Thirroul have been slammed by residents who say the moves would deliver little benefit, while having a major negative impact on the suburbs' character.
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On Monday proposals for helping alleviate congestion in the northern suburbs will be put on public display by Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
In Bulli, the measures would include banning right turns into Station St, extending clearways into the weekend and a dedicated right turn light at Park St.
In Thirroul there are two options being considered, with the preferred option including a dedicated third lane southbound on Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
Under the "preferred option" significant parking would be lost on Lawrence Hargrave Dr to provide easier ways around cars which are stopped to turn right.
But Louise Wellington from the community group Save Thirroul Village said removing parking to ease the flow would not solve bottlenecks in single-lane sections of the road.
"The options sound pretty woeful overall," she said. "There are some quick wins, particularly in Bulli and we welcome some of those, but in Thirroul it sounds like they're doing something for the sake of saying they're doing something instead of looking at what is really needed for Thirroul, now and into the future.
"We have already seen enormous community opposition to what's proposed at Thirroul Plaza with a major concern being the loss of street parking. We know this is not what the community want to see Thirroul become.
"Clearways or removal of parking will provide very limited respite due to bottlenecks further along the network, and it will be to huge detriment to the function of the village and the local shops."
She asked what evidence there was that the changes would improve traffic.
"There have been many other suggestions for solutions made by the community such as alternate local road connections, as well as improved public transport and opportunities for walking and cycling," she said.
The Mercury sought answers from Transport for NSW, but the agency referred us to Member for Heathcote Lee Evans, whose electorate extends from Sutherland south as far as the northern end of Coledale.
Mr Evans' office said he declined to comment.
Ben Langford
Senior journalist writing on the environment. Opinion columnist, independent. We rely on your news tips so please, don't be shy to let us know what's going on.
Senior journalist writing on the environment. Opinion columnist, independent. We rely on your news tips so please, don't be shy to let us know what's going on.
