WHENEVER a major road is disrupted, it isn’t just its regular users who are inconvenienced: residents in formerly quiet, urban streets also experience significant traffic changes.
Forty residents attended the Bellingen Showground Luncheon Pavilion earlier this month to air their concerns about the impact the closure of Waterfall Way is having on them.
Hammond and Wheatley streets are now part of the detour route for the Waterfall Way and residents say traffic is constant, unregulated, and more dangerous for locals.
The residents of Hammond Street said they can no longer cross the road, while Wheatley Street residents expressed fears about backing out of their driveways or walking to town.
Residents from Black Street also reported regular disturbances from large caravans turning around.
The meeting unanimously called for a speed camera and changes to the speed limit in Hammond and Wheatley streets, a focus on life threatening driving, and improved policing of dangerous driving – particularly at weekends.
A motion was also passed to upgrade the Hammond Street footpath as a matter of urgency.
Caroline Joseph, speaking on behalf of the residents, said, “Anyone who walks to or from North Bellingen into town has to cross the road twice to stay on a sealed footpath.
“With Waterfall Way closed, what was previously difficult is now downright life threatening.
“Some people can’t get out of their driveways because of speeding four-wheel-drives.
“We are working with the Council but funding is needed.”
A spokesperson for Bellingen Shire Council said it is aware of community concerns regarding traffic management and pedestrian safety in North Bellingen, particularly around Hammond and Wheatley streets, as a result of the extended closure of Waterfall Way.
While funding has not yet been secured, Council has prepared the designs for a formal footpath along the eastern side of Hammond Street to ensure the project is grant-ready.
It is also actively pursuing external funding and other opportunities to deliver the works.
Council has also undertaken design work for improvements to Black Street to enable future grant consideration, and it is progressing investigations into improvements to the alignment and flood immunity of Lavenders Bridge, which will be subject to further community consultation later this year.
The community is encouraged to report any incidents of poor driver behaviour to NSW Police.
By Andrew VIVIAN
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