UPDATE: Albury Councillor Kylie King has shared a harrowing experience of nearly colliding with a vehicle at a dangerous intersection in Thurgoona. This incident has prompted urgent discussions on implementing traffic lights to enhance safety at the junction of Shuter Avenue and Thurgoona Drive.
The close call occurred around 5 PM on July 23, 2023, when Cr King was driving west on Thurgoona Drive. “I nearly T-boned a car running the gauntlet coming out of Shuter Avenue,” she recounted during a council meeting on July 28. “If it wasn’t for both cars stopping and braking, we would have been another statistic.”
This intersection is notorious for heavy traffic congestion due to its proximity to the busy Thurgoona Plaza. Cr King noted she has often seen signs of previous accidents, including engine oil and debris on the roadway. “There’s been evidence of another collision,” she said, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
In response, the council has unanimously agreed to allocate $200,000 in the current financial year to design an upgrade for the intersection, favoring traffic lights over a roundabout. Andrew Lawson, the council’s city projects service leader, explained that a roundabout would exacerbate congestion due to the short distance between Leahy Avenue and Thurgoona Drive.
“This particular intersection is configured in such a way that it would suit the installation of traffic lights very easily,” Lawson stated. “It will improve traffic movement for all users, unlike a roundabout which would require significant works and impact the environment.”
Deputy Mayor Jess Kellahan emphasized the importance of ongoing traffic monitoring in the Thurgoona area, especially with potential new businesses moving in. “Changes to traffic over time will be critical to analyze,” she said, referring to the anticipated development around the shopping hub.
Cr Phil Bullivant expressed his commitment to meeting the needs of Thurgoona residents, while Cr Geoff Hudson highlighted the community’s support for improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
This urgent push for safety measures at the intersection reflects growing concerns from residents and officials alike. As traffic continues to surge in Thurgoona, the implementation of traffic lights could be a significant step toward preventing future accidents.
Next steps include finalizing the design for the traffic lights, with construction expected to begin following the allocation of funds. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as updates on this critical safety improvement develop.
