Gravel sections of Oxford Falls Road and Morgan Road in Oxford Falls will be upgraded to sealed roads and include investigations of appropriate traffic calming and wildlife protection measures.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said Council currently maintains sections of both roads next to the one lane bridge over Oxford Falls Creek with a gravel surface, while the other sections are sealed.

“But traffic volumes in this area have substantially increased lately as a result of traffic changes around the new hospital and sections of the road are starting to really deteriorate with rutting and loss of gravel.

“Traffic is diabolical in Frenchs Forest at the moment due to the RMS road works and that has forced council’s hand on what is supposed to be a semi-rural access road for residents and not a main thoroughfare. 

“Maintenance costs are now significantly higher and locals say there has also been an increase in road kill numbers.

“If we do nothing, it will continue to cost ratepayers almost quarter of a million dollars a year to maintain in its current state. But by investing $490,000, we can upgrade to a sealed road with only minor maintenance needed for the next 15-20 years,” Mayor Regan said.

To address concerns of local residents, Council will also investigate traffic calming measures and other features to slow down traffic and protect native wildlife. Work would start early next year and be completed in 2019.

“Other community benefits include environmental improvements like less dust and sediment and possible drainage upgrades to improve the quality of stormwater runoff entering the creek,” Mayor Regan said.

Council is also very aware of the concerns in relation to access to and from Wakehurst Parkway and will discuss options with the RMS, highlighting what has become a dangerous right hand turn onto the parkway.

Council will also be seeking financial assistance from Roads and Maritime Services because of the impact of the Northern Beaches Hospital road works.