Ramp promise closer

THE State Governments 2003 election promise to have two Kiama Bypass on/off ramps constructed by 2007 came a step closer to realisation last week, after the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) revealed the locations of the new ramps.

An RTA spokesperson announced that the southbound ramp would be built at Munna Munnora Creek while the northbound ramp would be located at Bland Street.

Its hoped the new access ramps will greatly reduce traffic congestion through Kiamas Gipps and Terralong Streets, while also accommodating future residential growth west of the bypass.

The RTA decision on the preferred ramp locations followed a public display of options in early 2005 and consultation with both Kiama Council and emergency services organisations.

The RTA assessed the options against environmental, social, land use, traffic and engineering conditions and following engineering and finance feasibility studies found the sites at Munna Munnora Creek and Bland Street were the best choice, the RTA spokesperson said.

Concept plans for the ramps have been drafted and a review of environmental factors has been prepared to evaluate impacts of this project.

Despite still being concerned by the RTAs lack of urgency with the project Liberal candidate for the seat of Kiama Trevor Fredericks described the announcement as good news.

It is certainly very positive that the RTA has finally made the announcement of the proposed locations for both the northbound and southbound ramps 14 months after the options became available, he said.

I think the community is however still definitely concerned that the Labor party promise to have construction finished by the 2007 election will not be carried out.

Considering the proposed budget for the ramps is $14 million and we only had $5 million of that money put towards the project in this years budget we still may be a while away from completion.

Kiama Mayor Sandra McCarthy said she was delighted that the two ramps would be constructed, saying she urged residents to lobby the government to bring about the commencement of construction of the ramps as soon as possible.

The announcement that two ramps will be constructed is a tribute to Matt Browns persistence on behalf of the community, said Cr McCarthy.

The preferred ramp locations and review of environmental factors will be on display until Friday August 11 at the Kiama Library, Kiama Motor Registry and Kiama Council Chambers.