The NSW Centre for Roads Safety has been asked to look at urgent measures to improve safety on the Heathcote Road bridge over Woronora River.
Heathcote MP Lee Evans made the request, through the office of Roads Minister Duncan Gay, following community calls for action following the death of off-duty firefighter Drew Cullen, of Engadine, in a crash this month.
Mr Evans told Parliament the bridge would be upgraded in 2016-17 under a commitment by Premier Mike Baird in February this year.
‘‘While this is welcome news, it is important to recognise that major road projects can take many years to design, construct and complete,’’ he said.
‘‘We must ensure that every feasible step is taken to make the bridge as safe as possible from now until the improvement works are completed. ‘‘In the interim, it is important that we look at any, and all, measures that could be adopted to improve road safety on the bridge.’’
Mr Evans said he had asked the Centre for Road Safety to look at what more can be done in the area.
‘‘We owe it to the local community to ensure that we have left no stone unturned,’’ he said.
‘‘Armed with information from the Centre for Road Safety, we can determine the additional safety measures that are appropriate for that stretch of road and ensure that they are implemented.’’
Mr Evans said he looked forward to updating Parliament and his community ‘‘in the not too distant future’’.
He thanked people in the community who had ‘‘rallied for action’’.
‘‘I share your sentiment,’’ he said.
‘‘Since my election in 2011, I have consistently raised the issue of safety along the whole of Heathcote Road, including on that bridge.’’
CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
Lee Evans told the Leader the request to the Office for Roads Safety was made on August 25.
The Leader reported on August 28 two former emergency service officers had launched a campaign to have new safety measures introduced on Heathcote Road before Christmas.
Pat Kennedy, of Heathcote East, and Paul Drayton, of Engadine, want the speed limit reduced and at least two fixed speed cameras installed between Princes Highway and New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights. See related story: http://www.theleader.com.au/story/3307747/emergency-service-officers-urge-safety-measures-for-heathcote-road-before-christmas/?cs=1507
Mr Kennedy was one of Sutherland Shire’s first intensive care paramedics while Mr Drayton was a NSW Fire Brigades inspector.
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