A major intersection in Double Bay has been the site of 13 crashes and nine injuries since 2019, prompting growing concern from residents who say traffic congestion and confusion at the site have reached a crisis point.
Growing Safety Concerns
The crossroads where New South Head Road, Bellevue Road, Cross Street and Kiaora Road meet is often described by locals as one of the most dangerous in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Community members have reported regular near misses and constant traffic jams that disrupt daily life and pose risks to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike. According to recent data, the four-way intersection has been the scene of repeated collisions, with some residents stating it’s a surprise no one has been killed.
The intersection’s layout has long caused confusion among motorists. A key issue is uncertainty around which traffic lights apply to which direction, especially for cars turning right from Bellevue Road or New South Head Road. Drivers often hesitate or stop mid-turn, creating blockages and increasing the chance of accidents. A left-turn lane added in 2022 has only added to the confusion for drivers attempting to travel straight through the intersection.
Locals Push for Change
Local business owner Pham Yang, who has operated nearby for more than two decades, said the situation has steadily worsened as more drivers unfamiliar with the area get caught off guard by the complex intersection. He described daily scenes of frustration, with drivers frequently honking and shouting as traffic clogs the area.
Woollahra Mayor Sarah Swan said Council continues to hear from worried residents, many of whom believe it’s only a matter of time before a more serious incident occurs. She noted that the city’s engineers have submitted multiple requests to Transport for NSW since early 2022, seeking improvements to ease congestion and reduce safety risks.
Deputy Mayor Sean Carmichael has described the traffic situation as “desperate”, particularly for Bellevue Hill residents who he says are often unable to leave or return to their suburb during peak traffic hours. He first formally raised the issue over two years ago.
Federal Member for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, addressed the matter in state parliament last week, describing the intersection as “confusing, congested and dangerous.” She encouraged the transport minister to visit the site to see the problems firsthand. Sloane has also launched a community petition aimed at urging state authorities to take urgent action.
Transport for NSW confirmed that a traffic and safety review was completed in October 2023 and is currently being assessed. A spokesperson for the department said a technical review is underway to identify possible improvements to the intersection and that further steps will be determined once the assessment is complete.
Top Priority Request
Council recently ask Transport for NSW to address several problem intersections along New South Head and Old South Head roads due to ongoing safety and congestion issues.
A top priority in the request was a review of the intersection where New South Head Road meets Bellevue Road, Cross Street and Kiaora Road in Double Bay.
According to the 2020 Double Bay Transport Strategy, that junction was projected to exceed capacity during morning, evening and Saturday peak hours by 2027. Council now believes that level of congestion is already being experienced.
Ms Swan noted that the intersection is a vital part of the area’s road network and essential for people travelling to work, school, or appointments.
Other intersections included in the request were New South Head Road at William Street, Manning Road, and Wolseley Road, as well as Old South Head Road at Victoria Road. Council hopes these reviews will help relieve pressure on state-managed roads and improve safety for all road users.
Published 7-April-2025