The Blackheath Highway Action Group (BAG) has welcomed the decision by the RMS to retain a number of trees along the highway in Blackheath when they upgrade the road.
Trees in three areas – between Evans Lookout Road and Chelmsford Avenue, near the cemetery and between Radiance and Sunbeam avenues – were to have been removed but will now be spared.
And a much-loved tree at the intersection with Govetts Leap Road might also be saved.
"The RMS has listened to the concerns of the Blackheath community", said Michael Paag, convener of BAG.
"This is a great result, and follows on from the hard work that BAG, the Blackheath Community Alliance and the community have put in," said Adele Colman, Co-Convener of the Blackheath Streetscape Group.
BAG has been working alongside the RMS on the Katoomba to Mount Victoria Road Safety Upgrades project since 2008.
"We are also very pleased the highway will not be widened through Blackheath," said Mr Paag.
"The addition of right turning lanes and modifications to key intersections will make access to the highway safer for local residents and tourists alike."
The design for the intersection of the highway and Govetts Leap Road and Bundarra Street has not been completed and further investigative work is required following negotiations between BAG and the RMS.
"The campaign to save the large tree on the corner of the highway and Bundarra Street has not been lost," said Mr Paag.
BAG has been informed that the RMS will be carrying out root mapping of the trees along the highway near the intersection to help inform the final design. The root mapping will be undertaking utilising air spading, which is a non destructive process.
"We will continue to work with the RMS on finding ways to retain the large plane tree whilst improving safety for motorists turning right from the highway into Bundarra Street," Mr Paag said.
"BAG takes this opportunity to thank Cr Don McGregor and our ward 1 councillors and Trish Doyle, Member for Blue Mountains, for their ongoing support in relation to the RMS Katoomba to Mount Victoria Road Safety Upgrade project."