A point of conversation and continued frustration for motorists in Tea Gardens is the intersection of Myall Quays Boulevarde and Myall Way.

Residents are talking with News Of The Area, saying a roundabout would bring benefit to the intersection.

At present, despite the seemingly obvious up-side, and after many groups and individuals have lobbied council for action, there has been no progress at the site to improve the traffic issues.

Meeting last week at the old Library in Hawks Nest, this intersection along with other road works, were discussed by the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association.

It was noted at the meeting that the Association’s plan for a temporary roundabout was submitted to Council some time ago but, to date, no response has been received.

Councillor Len Roberts was present at the meeting and undertook the issue to pursue further, but admitted with the new merger restrictions, a successful outcome may be affected.

Speaking with News Of The Area, Mr Roberts said, “There have been some studies done by councils Traffic Committee, but the area and location doesn’t appear to warrant a roundabout.”

“We’ve had to fight long and hard before just to have a safety refuge installed, also with the councils merger restrictions this may make the reality of this roundabout coming into fruition a harder project to get approved,” he said.

News Of The Area contacted Ron Hartley from Mid Coast Council who stated, “The original Crighton’s plan for the development of this area included two large roundabouts to access the shops and residential area.”

“This provided for roads substantially larger than the current road network, i.e. Two lanes in each direction with a wide landscaped median between.”

“Roads and Maritime Services subsequently rejected this road layout and proposed traffic lights as the means of intersection control at Myall Way/Myall Quays Boulevarde. This is the reason that Council has been reluctant to implement any upgrade in the intersection at the present time,” Mr Hartley said.

“Council has received a petition seeking a temporary roundabout at the intersection. Council’s design staff are currently preparing schematic layouts for a roundabout so that costings can be done and this will then be referred to the Council Traffic Committee,” he said.

“It should be noted that a basic roundabout at this location will require significant works including the removal of the current traffic islands, construction of a concrete central island and reconstruction of the pavement so it will be a significant cost,” Mr Hartley said.