ORANGE City Council will address crash concerns near the Forest Road bridge following a decision not to proceed with a second bridge at the site.
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Guil and Janelle Beath live just south of the east fork and said water running across the road after rain caused cars to aquaplane on the corner.
Last week a young woman hit the telegraph pole outside their house and crashed through their front fence.
“[People lose control] every time it rains,” Mrs Beath said.
Mr Beath estimated eight cars had hit his and neighbours’ front fences in the past 30 years.
He said the council had previously added rocks to the side of the road to redirect water, but as dirt accumulated, the water returned to its usual course.
The couple had supported the duplication, which would have added a second overhead bridge linking Forest Road and Peisley Street, because while the bridge had changed very little in 50 years, traffic density had.
“It’s quadrupled here since the hospital opened,” Mrs Beath said.
“We just need more safety, if possible something in front of us or next door, and protection for walkers,” her husband said.
Council spokesman Nick Redmond said the council was aware of potential safety concerns.
“That was one of the motivations for beginning the project,” he said.
“Council staff have looked at the gravel drain on the side of the road, which needs some work to prevent water from heavy storms flowing onto the roadway and some maintenance work will happen.”
After quotes failed to meet the bridge project’s budget, Mr Redmond said it would continue to be put forward for funding.
“If other routes around the bridge [were] completed first, the worksite could be largely closed to traffic and it’s also possible that the cost could come down,” he said.