Alternatives will be considered to the removal of the pedestrian crossing in Geurie after concerns from residents.
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Earlier in the month Roads and Maritime Services proposed replacing the existing pedestrian crossing on the Mitchell Highway with a kerb extension pedestrian facility after receiving a $81,000 grant from the NSW government. It would remove the zebra crossing from the road and give right of way to the traffic.
However, residents like Chris Newberry were against the decision. Mr Newbery said he was worried about the safety of school children and the elderly trying to cross the busy highway if the crossing was removed.
Dubbo Regional Council has agreed to work with RMS to look at alternatives to to removing the crossing. Mayor Ben Shields has proposed either retaining the crossing, moving it to a new location or building a pedestrian access over the Mitchell Highway.
Deputy mayor Anne Jones said she would also like to see the speed limit through Geurie reduced to 50 kilometres per hour.
“Part of the negotiations I had with the RMS at the time was to reduce the speed limit. It’s now 60 [kilometres per hour]and I know people do 60, 70 and 80. I’m frightened when I’m there and see people trying to cut across the road with these cars zooming past,” she said.
RMS wants to remove the crossing to ensure people are walking across when there’s no traffic, rather than stepping onto the road and expecting cars and trucks to stop.
However, Cr Jones said during a three-hour consultation meeting in the town she watched everyone stop, look for traffic and then cross.
RMS has already agreed to consider community feedback before a final decision on the crossing is made.