Photo: In July, Bookham residents were confronted with a proposal from Transport NSW which residents and local emergency service volunteers feared would cut off the village and create more danger spots not fix them…

Transport for NSW’s revised intersection changes on the Hume Highway at Bookham has met with a largely positive response from locals who attended a recent meeting where updated plans were presented.

Local farmers, Louise and Tony Armour were among those who had serious concerns about the initial proposal which presented two U-turns and shutting down the current access point as an alternative to the present access. However, they now believe that the planned improvements are a very positive attempt to improve safety and drivers understanding of the intersection.

Tony commented “I feel that colouring the medians Terracotta will highlight to drivers that there is a major intersection. Two cameras recording traffic from good vantage points for the next six months (including Christmas, New Year, Australia Day weekend and Easter) will hopefully reveal what is actually going on.

“Extra signage will also improve safety at this spot and new line markings giving drivers more awareness of their position on the intersection can only be a benefit,” Mr Armour added.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said 18 submissions were received from the community during consultation, which closed on 3 July, which has informed the decision to redesign the safety upgrade.

“We have been investigating options that can balance the needs of the local community with those of visitors to the region who are unfamiliar with the intersection,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

Bookham businessman, Andrew Schofield said he was heartened that Transport for NSW had listened to the community.  Mr Scofield said it wasn’t necessarily the best solution but was far better than what had previously been suggested. 

“Until they are prepared to spend money on saving lives at Bookham, this is the best option so far,” Mr Schofield said.

Doug Painting, who has witnessed many accidents as part of the local rescue team, said it was a good step forward. 

“Hopefully the paintwork will eliminate the confusion as to where you should drive,” Mr Painting said.

Transport for NSW advises design and planning for the construction of the second stage of work is currently underway. These infrastructure changes include extending the length of the southbound left turn lane, repositioning the safety barrier and widening the entrance to Conroy Street.

In the meantime, a series of minor safety improvements will be implemented in two stages. The first stage, to start in coming weeks will involve vegetation clearing along the Hume Highway to improve visibility on the approach to and exit from Conroy Street, installing new advanced warning signage and improvements to road line marking and the centre median to improve visibility of the roundabout, particularly during low light conditions.

“Residents will be provided with more information about this work including any traffic changes before work starts”, Mrs Tuckerman.

A key business that would be impacted by any adverse changes is the local café which is sustained by highway motorists.

Barney’s Manager Karen Ashlin is hopeful that the revised plan will deliver for the local community “and for travellers particularly now that the borders are again open,” Ms Ashlin said.