Negotiations are still underway into a second access for the Run-O-Waters estate.
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But council general manager Warwick Bennett says things will become clearer once discussions with developers in the area are finalised and the Draft Urban and Fringe Housing Strategy is adopted.
The matter reared its head again recently when a truck that had missed the turn-off to the Coles Distribution Centre tried to turn around on Ducks Lane, the main entry to Run-O-Waters. The vehicle became stuck, with its air hoses broken, and blocked one lane. While cars were still able to pass, residents again called for a second exit.
Mr Bennett pointed out, and residents conceded, that a secondary access in this instance would not have helped, due to the location. He said in cases of emergency, an exit could be opened on to the Hume Highway, via a gate.
The council's favoured option is an extension of Shannon Drive, off Ridge Street, over to Pockley Road, which emerges on to Ducks Lane.
The council has been in talks for many months with developers undertaking subdivisions in the area. Councillors endorsed this move in February, 2018 and they've regularly asked for updates.
Mr Bennett told The Post he'd had "positive discussions" with Shannon Drive developers.
"We'll get some more information and then sit down in August (at a councillor briefing session) to establish a position," he said.
If talks were successful, the developers could enter into a voluntary planning agreement, allowing the council to complete the work.
But the Draft Urban and Fringe Housing Strategy could also open possibilities. Developers are proposing subdivisions in the Gurrundah Road and Pockley Road areas. Mr Bennett said these could link create a link from Run-O-Waters to Mary Street or Gurrundah Road.
"It would open up enormous possibilities for the arterial road structure in the area," he said.
The Housing Strategy will be discussed at Tuesday night's council meeting.
Some residents are also still calling for Carr Street to be re-opened. The link road from Ducks Lane to Mary Street has been closed off for some years, due to safety.
The council's operations director Matt O'Rourke estimated in 2018 that it would cost $1.75m to $2.25m to widen and align Carr Street. The cost was to be split between the council and developers.
Mr Bennett said this option was still on the agenda.
"There is a 30-lot subdivision there and one of the conditions is to upgrade Carr Street," he said.
"It's our proposal that when that proceeds in the next three to four years, to work in conjunction with them to do Carr Street."
Mayor Bob Kirk said that link was not a current priority but could be revisited.
"It's not the solution, in my view, but would be beneficial in terms of (overall) connectivity."
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