Council has been planning to upgrade the intersection for some time and has been an issue raised by a number of residents in recent years. The new roundabout will not only improve access to and from Campbell Road but also make the intersection safer for drivers and pedestrians.

A range of options were considered for this intersection, however, traffic volumes both now and into the future do not meet the minimum requirements set by Transport for NSW for a signalised intersection.

This conclusion was reached using extensive traffic and pedestrian count data, a conservative estimate of future growth and computer aided modelling in accordance with current design standards. Calala Lane is used by about 10,000 vehicles daily and Campbell Road about 3,700 vehicles daily at the Calala Lane end.

In terms of traffic capacity and safety, there is a point where an intersection is technically considered to no longer function effectively. We are currently upgrading the Calala Lane-Campbell Road intersection to ensure it does not reach that point.

As shown below, the roundabout will bethree-way roundabout with the centre positioned slightly north of the current centre towards Campbell Road.

The project will involve installing a new indented bus stop, pedestrian crossing points, kerb and guttering along Campbell Road, and a service road for impacted residents directly across from the roundabout.

The project aligns with the community's vision for "An Accessible Region" with a safe and efficient transport network.

The total budget of the project is $1.4 million. The budget was reviewed throughout the design development to ensure appropriate funding was available for the final scope of the project.

Work will start late May and is expected to be completed by late September, weather permitting.

It has been made clear during community consultation that having both lanes of Calala Lane open was a priority. This has been reflected in the traffic management plan by the contractor. Both lanes of Calala Lane will be open during peak traffic periods.

There may be occasions as construction progresses where Calala Lane will be reduced to one lane. These will be kept to a minimum where possible and be scheduled outside of morning and afternoon peak traffic periods.