The dangers of the Henry Lawson Drive and Pozieres Avenue intersection were highlighted by a community campaign in 2022, which led to a red-light camera being installed and a significant reduction in the number of accidents and near-misses.
However, spokesperson for HLD-Pozieres Action Group, Paul Judge, said the issue had re-emerged, with the projected increase in traffic associated with the upgrade, and substantial increases in residential development in the area.
He said that with 58,000 vehicles per hour using the intersection during school arrival and departure times, “it is a huge concern for local parents and care-givers, most of whom refuse to allow their children to walk or cycle to Milperra Public School if this means crossing that intersection”.
Mr Judge said the planned increase in housing in the area would only add to their concerns.
At the request of Cr Linda Downey, who has been calling for an overpass for years, the council will write to Transport for NSW calling for an urgent review its position not to construct an overhead pedestrian and crossing.
“It is quite clear that an overhead crossing would improve pedestrian safety and allow greater accessibility for local residents,” she said.
“The community’s safety and accessibility has been compromised by the lack of funding.”
Another member of the Action Group, John Grinsell, said the benefits would be widespread.
“It would assist the flow of traffic along the road, while ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, by taking the latter out of the equation,” he said.
Cr Downey said the time was right to put in long-term solution to fix this “notorious intersection”.
State MP for East Hills, Kylie Wilkinson said she has been speaking with residents about their concerns and agreed that “the safety of pedestrians, particularly young children on their way to and from school, is a paramount concern”.
“With the proposed Stage 1B upgrade, Transport for NSW is investigating a range of options and will continue to consult with the community,” she said
Henry Lawson Drive needs overpass urgently
CONCERNED Milperra residents have called for a pedestrian overpass at one of the area’s “nightmare” intersections, as part of the upgrades to Henry Lawson Drive.
