SECTION OF OLD MENDOORAN ROAD TO BE PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Dubbo Regional Council advises the community it will be permanently closing the southern most section of Old Mendooran Road, between the Golden Highway and Boothenba Road, from 20 April.
Due to an unsafe rail crossing and cross road at the Intersection of the Old Mendooran Road and Boothenba Road, Council will permanently close the 0.65km section to ensure the safety of the travelling public from potential hazards.
Infrastructure Director Luke Ryan said the Boothenba and Old Mendooran Road junction is a rural cross road layout with motorists on the Old Mendooran Road currently required to give way to traffic on Boothenba Road
“There have been numerous near-misses and accidents, including fatalities, at the intersection in question,” Mr Ryan said.
The permanent road closure will transform the junction to a T intersection, requiring traffic from the Old Mendooran Road to give way and turn to enter Boothenba Road.
The decision has been made following consultation with relevant stakeholders with issues raised including the holding length from the Boothenba Road to the rail crossing being too short and unsafe, with a potential for a heavy vehicle queuing at the cross to have part of their vehicle sitting on Boothenba Road and drivers not giving way or not seeing oncoming vehicles.
“Council has been in discussion with the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and it has been agreed, that as there is a relatively short alternate route available, Old Mendooran Road rail crossing should be permanently closed to remove the hazard,” Mr Ryan said.
Alternate access for property owners in the area has been provided following discussions with relevant stakeholders.
By regulation, notification will be provided by roadside public notices in the form of electronic Variable Message Boards that will be erected at each of the affected intersections on the Golden Highway and Boothenba Road for a period of at least seven days prior to the closure.
Last Edited: 17 Jul 2023