A $77,000 council study has identified potential routes for a link road between Hawkesbury Road and the Great Western Highway at Valley Heights but acknowledged there is no funding available to complete detailed designs estimated to cost $1.1 million, let alone the actual project calculated at $26.4 million.
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The preferred route — from the end of Springwood’s Lawson Road to Peninsula Road at Valley Heights via a two-lane, three-span bridge 35 metres above Fitzgerald Creek — has the most suitable gradient and alignment for the road and would cut across the smallest area of critically endangered Sydney turpentine ironbark forest, the study said.
The study also noted key intersections at Hawkesbury, Macquarie and Silva Roads and the Great Western Highway already operate near or at capacity during peak hours. It forecast intersection service failures would result in significant traffic delays in the next 18 years.
The study found a link road would improve traffic flow and reduce delays.
A full environmental impact statement is likely to be required should the project go ahead.
The initial council study will go on public exhibition soon with a report back to council in August.
Pending the results of the public consultation, Blue Mountains City Council will push for government grants to move the project into the detailed design phase.
