Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) will make a recommendation at next week's council meeting for an interim ban on right-hand turns from Hollingworth Road, citing the need for traffic safety improvements.
The proposal, from PMHC's Community Infrastructure division, is based on road safety concerns that have been informed by expert traffic data modelling in addition to community feedback.
Mayor Adam Roberts said the data research was compelling in reinforcing the need for safety improvements at the intersection, even on an interim basis.
"The review included analysis of Compass IoT connected vehicle data and showed a significant number of near-misses and heavy braking which is indicative of elevated crash risk," Mayor Roberts said.
"Our number one priority is the safety of the community. Letting them know about this proposal now is important as it represents a significant change in driver behaviour as this route is well-known and used in daily commutes."
The proposal outlines that this is an interim measure while PMHC actively seeks funding to support the construction of permanent traffic lights at the intersection.
"We have been advocating for this funding for some time but until it materialises, we have to employ interim measures that improve the safety for motorists and pedestrians," Mayor Roberts added.
A/Director for Community Infrastructure, Blayne West, said the proposal was brought to the Local Traffic Forum in May where it was determined it needed to go to Council.
"The proposal has been developed as a practical and relatively low-cost safety intervention to address immediate concerns while we pursue funding for the permanent solution," Ms West said.
"The interim works are proposed to be undertaken during the second half of the 2026-2027 financial year following the completion of planned pavement resurfacing works in Hollingworth Street."
The proposal recommends:
- Removal of the right-turn movement from Hollingworth Street into Buller Street;
- Introduction of a U-turn facility on Hollingworth Street for northbound traffic;
- Installation of new signage and line marking to support the changed traffic conditions;
- Improvements to lane delineation and turning paths for eastbound traffic on Buller Street.
The proposal will be on the list of Agenda items for the July Ordinary Council Meeting next Thursday.
