AN end to the traffic chaos around Kiama High School is in sight with the first works around the school to be included in this year's budget.
Kiama Council has included a raised pedestrian crossing at Addison's garage and a roundabout at the Bonaira and Manning street intersection in the draft 2012-13 budget to be considered in March.
Director of Engineering and Works Bryan Whittaker said while the detailed designs were not yet complete, early estimates for the work were between $80,000 and $90,000.
"We'd be seeking 50 per cent funding from (NSW Roads and Maritime Services)," he said.
Mr Whittaker said the council surveyed parents, the school and bus operators about their concerns on the precinct where there is currently no designated crossing.
"The crossing was clearly one of the top priorities because of the interaction between school children and traffic in the vicinity of Addison's garage," he said.
However, a proposal to build a turnaround bay on Saddleback Mountain Road was left out.
Kevin Richardson has lived just west of the bridge for decades and fears an accident.
"The speed limit's 50km an hour, but people travel at 70," he said.
"There are two blind spots - one at the bridge and one at the curve (further up the hill) so when a car is doing excess speeds, it surprises you - you feel bad even though you looked."
He said the parents last year were more sensible than in previous years, however he has still placed rocks outside his fence and on the grass verge opposite his home to stop motorists from attempting dangerous u-turns.
Mr Richardson has already had to replace his fence once after a young driver collided with it in wet weather. He welcomed any measures to reduce the risk.
Mr Whittaker said the turnaround bay was high on the list of priorities, but would be considered for a future budget due to the cost. "We've got to do it in bite-sized pieces," he said.
Until then, Mr Richardson advised parents to travel further up Saddleback Mountain Rd so they have a clear view in both directions.
Other works to be considered in future budgets are a roundabout at the Saddleback Mountain Road and South Kiama Drive intersection and footpaths at Addison's garage and opposite Kiama High School to keep students off the road.