'Get cracking' on intersection, chamber urges

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has called on the new Liberal State Government to "get cracking" on the reconstruction of the West Gosford intersection.

"The Peninsula business community is concerned that the current approval and funding for the intersection may be scrapped in favour of the much more expensive flyover option," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"It is extremely important that the new State Government give certainty to the intersection construction.

"The business community on the Peninsula cannot afford further delays, especially after the exhaustive consultation process already undertaken by the RTA," said Mr Wales.

He said the chamber was concerned that the incoming Government would revisit the flyover option which had previously been discounted by the RTA.

"The approved signalised intersection design will cost around $100 million to build and take two and a half years, whereas the flyover option will blow the cost out to $280 million and take up to four years.

"The flyover would also eliminate the north bound right turn into the West Gosford RSL, Office Works and Spotlight creating severe impacts on those businesses who depend on easy access.

"It would disrupt the intersection hierarchy from West Gosford right through to East Gosford and simply transfer traffic congestion further down the highway into the Gosford CBD.

"Investigating the flyover option would also delay the project another 18 months and reach the same conclusion that the RTA has already reached.

"It is too expensive and will have unacceptable disruptions on business," said Mr Wales.

"The reconstruction of the intersection has been on the books for over 25 years and with every delay the cost of the work continues to spiral.

"Let's get cracking and get the approved work started," he said.

Media Release, 27 Mar 2011 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce