Every day, hundreds of Elanora heights locals navigate the dodgy intersection of Wakehurst Parkway and Elanora Rd, a routine that never fails to unsettle even the most confident of drivers. The hazardous conditions make turning onto or off from the parkway a truly daunting task especially in peak hours, underscored by history of serious accidents that have occurred at that intersection.

While we appreciate there has been effort to improve this intersection as part of the Transport NSW Wakehurst Parkway Improvements Project, we have major concerns the plans have ignored the needs of local residents and will actually make the intersection more dangerous. 

We have recently been provided details the "Approved" plan for this intersection which prioritises the flow of traffic on the Parkway over the safety and accessibility of Elanora Heights residents, increasing the likelihood of delays on Elanora Rd leading to driver frustration, and even more risky driving behaviors.

The "Approved" plan will remove the holding bay heading west and remove the slip lane heading east. Concrete medians will be installed to ensure no one can turn until the road is completely clear. Traffic will be reduced to one car at a time through the intersection. This will slow down turning from this intersection considerably. Anyone frustrated on Elanora Rd has no ability to turn around and choose another path if the backlog grows, due to the narrow width of that road.

See the fact sheet here: Elanora Rd Intersection Fact Sheet

It's well known that when drivers are frustrated, they are more prone to taking risks, resulting in accidents. Our objection is not just about avoiding inconvenience; it's about safeguarding our community from preventable injuries and potential fatalities.

Additionally, the proposed changes could significantly interrupt the daily commuting patterns of our community, making it a challenge for residents to safely travel to work, school, and daily errands. These real-life implications have not been sufficiently addressed in the presented plan.

The currently approved intersection design necessitates a thorough review and amendment. We call upon our local state member, local councillors and NSW transportation authorities to reassess the blueprint with an emphasis on safety, ensuring all road users, including those from Elanora Heights, are prioritised.

Community safety should never be sacrificed for the sake of speeding up traffic. We urge the decision-makers to go back to the drawing board and involve local residents in creating a solution that reflects our needs and respects our safety.

Please sign this petition to demand the Elanora Rd intersection plan be revisited to enhance safety and accommodate the needs of all road users.