Mayor of The Hills Shire, Councillor Yvonne Keane, has welcomed the NSW State Government’s initiative to partner with The Hills Shire Council to address high level congestion at the intersection of Norwest Boulevard, Elizabeth Macarthur Drive and Lexington Drive, in Norwest Business Park.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) are considering implementing both a short-term response, as well as a longer-term upgrade of the intersection.
“This is fantastic news for residents, workers in Norwest Business Park and the many thousands of Sydney residents who travel through The Hills via the M7 and Norwest Boulevard in their daily commutes,” Mayor Keane said.
“Council and our Member for Baulkham Hills, David Elliott MP, have long advocated for this important upgrade and while I believe the long-term solution is paramount, the short-term solution to install vehicle activated traffic lights on the westbound approaches that operate in peak times will help enormously.
“Doing nothing while we wait for the ultimate upgrade is not an acceptable option.
“Council is collecting some funding to assist with this intersection and we are willing to work collaboratively with our State partners on the development and installation of the short-term proposal, as well as design and approvals for the long-term solution,” Mayor Keane added.
State Member for Baulkham Hills, David Elliott MP, said it was a win for the Hills Shire community.
“Whilst I haven’t seen the formal advice, this is great news for the Baulkham Hills electorate,” Mr Elliott said.
“Traffic congestion is a burden on productivity, so I’m delighted that our repeated representations have been heard and would like to thank former Mayor Michelle Byrne, Mayor Yvonne Keane and the Council for their patience and tenacity in getting this outcome.
“It is a victory for common sense.”
It is understood that the RMS will soon be seeking public comment on the proposals.
For further updates, please visit: www.rms.nsw.gov.au.
