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BANYO RAIL CROSSING |
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New proposal for level crossing
Something needs to be done to improve safety at the Banyo rail level crossing. The existing layout creates conflicts between drivers as it’s not clear who should ‘give way’ when vehicles arrive simultaneously.
That’s why I’ve drafted a common-sense plan to widen the crossing by one lane (about 5 metres) to help better define the ‘through’ traffic priorities, which are about 95% of the vehicle movements.
The proposal provides for;
* Two marked turning lanes from the eastern side to identify whether vehicles are turning left or right from the crossing.
* All existing turns will continue to be allowed.
* Vehicles travelling south on Royal Pde (i.e from the doctors’ surgery) would give way to all vehicles at the intersection.
* Vehicles coming from the city on Royal Pde would only give way to those coming across the crossing and turning right into Royal Pde.
* Only the existing southern boom gate and pedestrian gates would need to be shifted.
While this plan probably won’t please everyone, I believe it can be done at modest cost, it won’t increase truck traffic and it doesn’t ‘destroy’ the shopping centre.
While previous plans drawn up by Council for a flyover at this location would have cost ratepayers a whopping $150 million; this proposal could be completed for around 1% of that amount.
If these intersection changes are supported by the local community, I’ll put them forward for Council budget consideration. As the Lord Mayor made promises during the last two Council election campaigns that he would fix the rail crossing, I’m confident he’ll allocate Council funding if the local community agrees with this modest proposal.
Before I submit these plans to Council for further consideration by Council officers, I really need feedback from all users of the crossing. Maybe there are even better or more cost effective ideas?
It’s really important for people contact me on 3403 2210 (e-mail) ask me any questions and put forward their ideas. |
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Existing Layout |
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Proposed Layout |
