Flyover plans critised

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has criticised Liberal plans to build a flyover at the West Gosford intersection.

"Based on recent comments made by the NSW Opposition, the Peninsula Chamber is concerned that the current intersection design will be scrapped by an incoming Liberal Government resulting in hefty delays to the project," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"This is deeply concerning to the Peninsula business community as a change in plans will mean a two-year delay and a cost blow-out from $100M for the signalised intersection to nearly $280M for a flyover.

"The cost implications of such a change are enormous and in our view potentially unfundable.

"In addition to the added cost, the flyover option would have even more dramatic effects on adjoining commercial properties and will eliminate the right turn movement into the West Gosford RSL, Office Works and Spotlight, to accommodate the transition grades," said Mr Wales.

"No-one likes the current congestion at West Gosford but the prospect of four years of major construction work is mind-boggling especially at a time when the Council is trying to revitalise the Gosford CBD and make it easier for people to move around the city.

"The intersection works will force Sydney-bound traffic onto Woy Woy Rd (also the target for promised new road funding) and Gosford-Erina bound traffic onto Empire Bay Dr and Avoca Dr.

"The upside is that the upgrade works may encourage Peninsula residents to spend more money on the Peninsula rather than battle the West Gosford traffic," said Mr Wales.

Media Release, 17 Mar 2011 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce