Northern Distributor roundabout could help North Orange traffic

Glenn Taylor says he has received numerous complaints in regard to the lights on the corner of the Northern Distributor Road and Telopea Way.

"We've all experienced it," Cllr Taylor said of the traffic woes.

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"Whether there is a major sporting event up at Waratahs, Friday nights or busy times when the lights just haven't been able to cope and people have been forced to sit there for many changes.

"I've seen the traffic backed up there to Anson Street. It's just been horrendous. The lights fundamentally don't work."

A motion asking the council to investigate the feasibility for the construction of a roundabout to replace the current traffic lights will be presented at the council meeting on February 16.

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Although he doesn't have any exact figures, Cllr Taylor believes the potential roundabout would cost about $4million, or roughly the same as the one on William Maker Drive.

"The massive growth in North Orange, the massive popularity and the growth in Waratahs and McDonald's are all major contributors to the traffic problem," he said.

"I feel sorry for people who have to deal with traffic cues there every day of the week. I think it's something as a council we have to do."

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In documents released ahead of Tuesday's meeting, a council staff comment said the location of the proposed roundabout was "not ideal but not impossible" and that nearby car parks could cause issues.

Cllr Taylor added that a ramp overpass near the site would also need to be built as a way to address pedestrian access.

"The idea of the Distributor road was just that, to distribute the traffic around the city," he said.

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"It really is a bottleneck and a major problem that needs to be fixed. I think now is the time to bite the bullet."