Kathy Betts has been driving the Waterfall Way between Armidale and Coffs Harbour five days a week for 14 years couriering items between the plateau and the coast.
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During that time she has seen the quantity of traffic, particularly heavy vehicles and caravans, increase exponentially.
For her, the news of a $3 million plus investment in the popular route is welcome indeed.
“There really need to be more places to pull over on the Dorrigo Mountain, so that drivers can get past caravans and campers who are taking their time and looking at the scenery,” Kathy said.
“It is beautiful drive and the locals along the way are fantastic but the traffic builds behind slower vehicles and blocks the flow.”
The more than $3 million investment was announced this week by the Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey with the aim of improving safety and travel times on the Waterfall Way.
Mrs Pavey said funding provided in the 2017-18 State Budget would go towards the delivery of improvements identified in a road safety review and the Draft Waterfall Corridor Strategy.
“The Waterfall Way provides a vital transport link for local communities and industries, and is one of the most scenic roads on the North Coast,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Roads and Maritime Services carried out a safety review after feedback from the local community, so this announcement is also a win for them.”
Mrs Pavey said the $3 million would go towards slope remediation at Sherrard Falls and east of Newell Falls, and road repairs will be carried out near Raleigh Dam.
“Lane and shoulder widening and future overtaking lanes between the Pacific Highway and Bellingen will also be investigated and planned.
“Another investigation will be carried out as part of this funding to look at areas for motorists to pull over on Dorrigo Mountain.”
Owner of the Thora Store, Di Drinkwater, was more reserved in her response.
“I question whether this will really improve safety or only mean that people feel they can drive even faster,” Di said.
“We see so many stupid things happen on this road. Tourists pull in here after coming down the mountain, scared because of cars tailgating them dangerously on the road.
“Without any details it is difficult to really say if this will make things safer or not.”
The Draft Waterfall Corridor Strategy which sets out future priorities will be released for community feedback in coming weeks.
