After new danger concerns about the crossing near the Victoria St intersection were raised with the Pastoral Times last week, authorities confirmed that discussions about the crossing have been ongoing for some time.
The road itself, as a highway, comes under Transport for NSW jurisdiction.
The government department has, however, been working with Edward River Council on potential solutions.
“Council has had several discussions with Transport for New South Wales as part of Local Traffic Committee meetings,” a council spokesperson said.
“These meetings also included a representative from police and a community representative.
“The last discussions were instigated by council following a request from the community regarding the crossing.
“The Traffic Committee discussed re-modelling the intersection to make the crossing distance for pedestrians shorter and providing a larger island in the centre of the road for pedestrian safety.
“Upgrades to the crossing under the Brick Kiln Creek were also discussed.
“Council continues to investigate upgrades to the intersection between Davidson Street and Victoria Street, including the pedestrian crossing and is continuing to work with Transport for New South Wales regarding a final solution for this matter and funding for the works.”
The safety concerns have been brought to the forefront again by Michelle George, who last week contacted the Pastoral Times after yet another near miss using the Davidson St cross walk.
While a long-time resident of Deniliquin, she has only just relocated to the north side of town.
She reported almost being hit by a car towing a caravan while using the crossing Tuesday last week.
“I would say 98 per cent of the time I use the crossing there’s a close call - most people seem to have no idea it’s even there,” she said.
Ms George requested the relevant authorities review the safety of the crossing and consider improvements, suggesting flashing lights might be the most visible solution.
The Riverina Highway, Cobb Highway (Hay Rd) and Conargo Rd all intersect at the northern arc of the round about, while Victoria St juts off each side of the southern end.
A service station sits on either side of this southern entry/exit, as well as a local hotel.
The pedestrian crossing is located between one of the servos and the hotel, across Davidson St, just before a small bridge over the creek.
And located just a little further south along Davidson St, headed into the Deniliquin CBD, the northside rest stop for cars and trucks, where amenities and tourist information can be found.
The roundabout is used by local and visiting traffic in large number, including heavy vehicles.
In support of Ms George’s concerns, a large number of other community members commented on the Pastoral Times’ Facebook page, sharing their own fears and experiences with the crossing.
“This crossing over north is so dangerous,” one reader wrote.
“Very rarely do you see motorists stop and give way.
“Most cars and trucks don’t slow down so if someone is going to cross the road they have to give way to the cars and trucks. Horrible dangerous crossing.”
Another reported making similar complaints several years ago, to no avail.
While only living a short distance away on Hay Rd, she attempted to secure bus travel for her children to attend Deni North School because of her concerns with the crossing.
“I took many photos and went to the local member saying that the boys weren’t able to go on the bus and that this crossing was one of the many problems they faced trying to get to school,” the reader said.
“Mornings are the worst as the north bound traffic is driving into the sun and anyone from out of town, especially heaving vehicles, have no idea except for a little sign as you come onto the bridge.
“It’s a very busy intersection, if not the the busiest in town, but still nothing has been done about it.
“I’m surprised someone hasn’t been hurt, or worse, but I guess it will unfortunately take for something to happen for main roads to step up and do something to make it safer.”
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