Page 4810 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 11 November 2009
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Mr Barr: Probably better than my effort.
MS PORTER: I think Mr Stanhope is the only person that can say that in an eloquent way.
However, this is likely to have environmental impacts and reduce the overall effectiveness of the collector road. The alternative of having two T intersections in close proximity along Horse Park Drive in a staggered T formation is not desirable either, as once the suburbs are fully developed they will be signalised, as Mr Barr said, and the subsequent inconvenience to motorists would defeat the purpose of the Horse Park Drive arterial road. I constantly have people talking to me about signalised roads and how much of a nuisance it is if, for some reason—maybe because we have altered roads temporarily, such as around the town centre in Belconnen at the moment—the traffic lights are too close together. It does frustrate drivers enormously.
Mr Hanson says that this issue is simple. He could not possibly have listened to Mr Barr or he would realise that this is not simple.
The issue of noise generated by traffic has been the subject of a noise impact assessment that was undertaken by a specialist acoustic consultant. Mr Barr has addressed this issue. Mr Coe believes that the realignment of the planned road will avoid the cost of noise abatement measures; he does not take into account the considerable cost his suggestion of realignment will involve.
The noise assessment uses three-dimensional modelling based on projected traffic volumes in 2031 and was undertaken in accordance with the national and ACT noise management guidelines. The noise impact assessment found that, with the installation of earthen sound mounds between the road and adjacent residences, traffic noise levels will readily meet the required standard. The earthen mounds will also be landscaped with suitable plantings to improve visual amenity.
There have been no specific safety issues identified with the current suggested alignment of the road, and sight distances for motorists entering Horse Park Drive meet the required specification. Well Station Drive has been designed in accordance with the national and ACT road design standards; as an ultimate check, the final design will be subject to an independent safety audit.
The Well Station Road extension project will facilitate urban development in the future suburbs of Kenny and Throsby as well as complete the arterial road network in this area of Gungahlin.
It is unrealistic to believe that urban development will cease at the edge of existing suburbs, particularly when these adjacent areas have been identified as future suburbs in the territory plan. Providing infrastructure for the supply of land for residential purposes is part of the urbanisation process of developing new suburbs.
The assertion that the government did not respond to residents’ concerns is incorrect. The public consultation that has occurred as part of the final design process has been
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