Maitland councillors voted at a meeting this week to keep the street open but to investigate any likely implications it will have on residents and traffic flow.

Councillors also agreed to carry out a local area traffic management plan for the area and to consult with the Roads and Maritime Services to investigate future safety improvements at the Melbourne Street intersection.

The Mercury reported in March 2014 that the East Maitland street was flagged for closure between Furber and Melbourne streets to stop it being used as a rat run.

A report to council recommended the permanent closure of the street because of ongoing traffic ­problems at its intersection with Melbourne Street. The report noted there were eight crashes at or near the intersection between 2005 and 2012.

Many drivers avoided the traffic lights at the New England Highway and Melbourne Street intersection during peak times, which has created a rat run down Fitzroy, Anne and Riley streets which led to a build-up of traffic at the Riley and Melbourne street intersection.

Maitland councillor Peter Garnham said council’s traffic management committee needs to investigate a number of safety options for the intersection with Melbourne Street. He said cars turning right off Melbourne Street into Riley Street or into an adjoining service station created traffic confusion and resulted in many “rear-enders”.