OPINION: A notorious Gunnedah intersection will receive new line marking after the plan was approved by Gunnedah Shire Council.
The four-way intersection of Barber Street and Tempest Street, Gunnedah, has been the site of many bumper bingles over the years.
Even this reporter has succumbed to the treacherous traffic entering and exiting the turning lanes.
Travelling north on Barber Street about lunchtime several years ago, a driver turning from Tempest Street failed to give way.
It was a low-speed crash and fortunately both drivers were okay. The utes involved, however, were write-offs.
Although the area is zoned for 50kmh speed limit, the busy nature of the intersection – which is bordered by businesses on each corner – has become difficult for motorists to negotiate.
Faded or non-existent line markings mean turning traffic often “cut the corner” as highlighted in the February meeting of the Local Traffic Advisory Committee.
Given the wide streets in the area and angled parking, give way signs – which will be retained in the update – are also difficult to identify, particularly for motorists unfamiliar with the intersection operation.
Those who suffered near-misses or worse at this intersection are wise to its deficiencies but many still speed through the area at full throttle.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. – Sam Woods
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