September 29 - October 27, 2024: Issue 635

 

Avalon to Palm Beach: Proposed roads - walkways Safety Changes


Whale Beach - The Strand - Car park

  • Comments opened: Wed 9 Oct 2024
  • Comments close: Wed 6 Nov 2024

Council states it will be implementing safer speed limits and new traffic infrastructure treatments, to make local residential streets pleasant places to live and visit with calmer and quieter traffic, as well as making it safer for people walking, bike riding and driving in the northern part of the peninsula.

Council's Road Network Future Directions under the Move - Northern Beaches Transport Strategy 2038 includes returning residential streets to the local residents through better network management.

Council are installing new infrastructure treatments including a kerb build out, traffic calming devices, and signage so that our street layouts are designed for safer speeds. 

Council will also be aiming to add a raised pedestrian crossing at Whale Beach Road, near the intersection with Barrenjoey Road, and new street lighting to improve safety and visibility for drivers and pedestrians. 

In addition, Council will re-align pram ramps and improve some lane widths and line marking.

Council will also be introducing a 30km/h speed limit in some sections of the Avalon to Palm Beach route (east of Barrenjoey Road - see zone map below). 


A slower speed is proposed in response to the unique geography and active lifestyles of residents using neighbourhood streets in this area. By establishing a comprehensive 30km/h zone, and a 10km/h zone in high pedestrian beachfront car parking areas, Council states it is taking significant steps to ensure streets are safer and to encourage active lifestyles. Traffic calming infrastructure treatments, combined with an improved road layout aims to naturally reduce vehicle speeds in line with speed zone changes.

Will there be a loss of parking on Whale Beach Road?

Some parking will be removed in the vicinity of the new pedestrian crossing at Whale Beach Road near the intersection of Barrenjoey Road in line with statutory requirements, to provide visibility and sight lines for pedestrian safety.

This removal will include approx. 3 parking spaces on the northern side and approx. 3 spaces on the southern side of the Whale Beach Road intersection with Barrenjoey Road.

Line marking adjustments around a number of tight bends will increase parking in some instances (by moving lines 3m from the kerb), and will require the removal of parking at others. This will assist drivers to stay within their lanes, improve visibility, traffic flow and ensure access for waste and emergency services vehicles.

Key benefits

  • Improved road layout to assist with better line of sight
  • Improved safety by reducing speed limits and an enhanced crossing
  • Increased community connectivity
  • Enhanced overall travel experience in the area
  • Improved access to important locations like schools, businesses and surf clubs
  • Better quality of life for both residents and visitors
  • Improved ease and safety for people walking and bike riding, providing better transport options for local trips.

Why it matters

Research shows that when people drive at safer speeds, there is a significant decrease in the likelihood and severity of crashes and injuries. Safer speeds will also make our streets friendlier, with less noise and fewer emissions. It will improve transport options and encourage active lifestyles by making it easier and safer to walk and ride a bike in the local neighbourhood to local destinations.

Construction to commence in 2025

Construction is anticipated to commence in 2025 pending outcomes of community feedback and subject to approval of the Local Traffic Committee. We will provide a more detailed timeline of construction closer to this period.

To minimise traffic impacts during the day, some operations may be scheduled for night-time. We will notify our neighbours before night work takes place.

Residents on the affected streets will receive direct communication from the contractors with additional details prior to the commencement of any work.

Provide feedback at the NBC webpage for the Project: 

yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/safer-neighbourhoods-local-road-safety-program-whale-palm-beach

Comments close Wednesday November 6 2024

Concept Plans: per Northern Beaches Council