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In isolation, roundabouts can perform more efficiently than traffic signals under certain unconstrained circumstances, but in the case of the intersection of Fitzwilliam Road, Station Road and Wentworth Avenue, the performance of the roundabout is heavily influenced by the flow of traffic directed from preceding intersections.
The detailed traffic modelling has shown significant improvements in the evening (PM) peak hours with the upgrade to traffic signals, which also includes additional left turn slip lanes and dual right turn lanes.
Traffic signals at this roundabout were ruled out within the initial study by the NSW Government because of safety concerns due to the way the road is configured, and the need for an irregular design for signalling causing driver confusion.
As part of the proposed traffic signals, signalised pedestrian crossings will be installed on the western and southern legs of the intersection to allow pedestrians to cross both Wentworth Avenue and Fitzwilliam/Station Road safely.
In addition to this, a new raised pedestrian crossing is proposed in Wentworth Avenue heading towards the train station.
It is noted that Wentworth Avenue is proposed to be widened to have two northbound lanes through the existing pedestrian refuge island at the roundabout. In accordance with the Australian Standards, a pedestrian crossing cannot be installed if a road has two lanes travelling in the same direction as vehicles in the adjacent lane can obstruct the view of any pedestrians looking to cross the road.
Accordingly, Council is not proposing to install a raised pedestrian crossing in this location, however, it is noted that the existing pedestrian refuge island will be retained and will allow pedestrians to cross the road in two stages.
It is proposed that ‘No Right Turn’ restrictions into and out of Piquet Place are installed for road safety reasons. It is noted that the street is located in close proximity to the proposed traffic signals and it is expected that there will be queuing that extends past this intersection. This queuing can obstruct sight lines for any vehicles turning right out of Piquet Place and risk vehicle collisions.
Furthermore, being close to the proposed signal, and also the merge point where two lanes become one, there is an additional rear end collision risk created by vehicles slowing down to turn right into the street.
Motorists will however have alternative ways of accessing the street including using the new roundabout at the intersection of Fitzwilliam and Tucks Road as well as the existing roundabout at the intersection of Station Road and Tollis Place to perform a U-Turn.
It is noted that the road-over-rail bridge in Wentworth Avenue is a Transport for NSW asset under its care and control. The focus of Council’s project is to improve traffic capacity on the roads under the jurisdiction of City of Parramatta.
Further, it is noted that the 2019 NSW Government Study to identify improvements to ease congestion at and near the Toongabbie Bridge showed that congestion primarily stems from the intersections on both sides of the bridge.
The project scope by Cumberland City Council includes a road widening to allow an additional southbound lane on Wentworth Avenue at Cornelia Road, works to the Junia Avenue Service Road carpark, public domain upgrades, and an additional crossing leg on the southern side of The Portico and Portico Parade intersection.
For more information, please visit Cumberland City Council's Have Your Say page https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/toongabbie-bridge-upgrade. (Note, you will be leaving this website).
