What’s happening with Raby Road – it’s a nightmare at certain times of the day. That’s the sentiment coming for readers who live along this important road, which starts from Campbelltown Road in the east to Camden Valley Way in the west.
Those “certain times of the day’’ are the morning and evening peak hours as people drive to work or take kids to school and back again.
Residential growth on the Camden side of the Scenic Hills – Gledswood Hills and Emerald Hills – has also put pressure on Raby Road, because it connects with north bound M31 Hume Highway.
The bridge over the M31 is a massive Raby Road pinch point and also needs to be duplicated sooner rather than later.
Much of Raby Road is located within the state electorate of Leppington, so we asked the sitting member, Nathan Hagarty if there has been any progress in upgrade plans.
“Raby Road is a local road under the responsibility and management of Campbelltown City Council,’’ he said.
“I’m pleased to advise that the NSW Government has funded the preparation of the concept and detailed designs for the Raby Road upgrade project.
“Campbelltown City Council is progressing the design for the upgrade of Raby Road between Emerald Hills Boulevard and Thunderbolt Drive.’’
Mr Hagarty said the upgrade will include widening of approximately 2.5 kilometres of Raby Road to a four lane divided carriageway (two lanes in each direction, including a median strip).
“This will provide connectivity to the existing road and pedestrian walkways,’’ he said.
“The upgrade aims to improve safety and traffic flow and to ensure the road supports future population growth in the area.
“I am advocating for funding from the State Government to assist Council in delivering the construction stage of this project.’’
Mr Hagarty said that since Raby Road is a council-managed road, Campbelltown City Council is responsible for leading any future proposals to duplicate the Raby Road bridge over the M31 Hume Highway.
This includes the identification and pursuit of funding options – including Federal and State Government grants.
Council has acknowledged the necessity for the duplication of the Raby Road Bridge in a 2016 Traffic and Transport Study for the Raby Precinct.
Independent Councillor Adam Zahra earlier this year called for a report on the congestion busting plan for duplication of the bridge over the M31.
He also asked that council write to local MPs, state and federal, to enlist their support for the funding required.
‘Council has acknowledged the necessity for the duplication of the Raby Road Bridge in a 2016 Traffic and Transport Study for the Raby Precinct.’ No one could ever accuse Council of moving too quickly!