RAMPS DELAY
November 29, 2006
Section: News
A PROMISE to have additional on-off ramps for Kiama during the life of the current Labor state government has been broken with the RTA delaying the project until well into next year.
The RTA now says that an archaeological excavation at the site is required to determine if aboriginal artefacts are present.
Kiama Council and the business community say the delay is extremely disappointing.
I feel that this should been addressed in the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement, Mayor Sandra McCarthy told the Kiama Independent.
I am extremely disappointed there was a commitment last state election by the local member that it (the ramps) would be completed by 2007.
Council has really had to push this all the way and we were quite excited to actually see in the last budget a commitment to both ramps.
The southbound off ramp is planned for Munna Munnora Creek with the exit lane starting behind Hillview Circuit and joining South Kiama Drive just south of homes in Stewart Place.
The northbound on ramp will be access from Bland Street and join the Kiama Bypass at the top of the hill.
Cr McCarthy said the new access ramps are essential for Kiama.
They will take traffic congestion out of the main street and out of Bong Bong Street where the primary school is.
And with the closing of Gipps Street there is now only one way out of Kiama to the north with all the traffic having to go up Terralong Street.
Kiama business community is also concerned.
David Robson, Chamber of Commerce executive officer, said the community and the business community did not welcome any delay.
It is very important for Kiama that more access is provided into the town and to reduce to a degree the heavy vehicle traffic around Terralong and Manning Street area, Mr Robson said.
Some can be diverted to the south side of Kiama to improve the amenity in the main street.
Any sort of delay is detrimental to the general community and the business community, Mr Robson said.
Mayor McCarthy called on the state government to ensure the archaeological investigation was expedited and that there were no further delays.
When the government makes these commitments it should have the power to make sure the RTA delivers on its election promises, she said.