Maitland residents are entitled to think "not really" if the third river crossing over the Hunter River is an example.

The RTA and the State Government appear to have completely ignored the community in choosing a preferred route for the crossing of the Hunter River.

Of the four original routes, the RTA and the Government opted for the least-favoured in the eyes of the community. Almost to a man the selected route was rejected by residents, including the city council and the community liaison group.

While the RTA argues that its preferred route is the most viable, many in the community believe the selected option was given the nod because of financial reasons.

It appears cost is also becoming an issue in the plan to build a dual carriageway linking the F3 freeway at Beresfield to Raymond Terrace.

Once complete, the carriageway will help ease traffic congestion on the New England Highway between Maitland and Hexham.

Millers Forest residents fear the RTA's design plans for the carriageway will create a dam wall effect that has the potential to increase flooding concerns around Millers Forest and Somerset Park.

With Thornton North starting to come on line as home to an expected 10,000 residents in the years ahead, flooding issues need to be at forefront of any development planning.

What angers the residents most is their inability to get their concerns through to the RTA and the State Government.

Cost factors must be considered when governments plan infrastructure, but the views of the community affected by developments are equally important.