Transport for NSW proposes to reduce traffic lanes, create new walking links, cycleways and dynamic community spaces, WalkSydney has provided a submission. If you would like to comment on the proposal, you have until midnight on Monday 4 October 2021.

The proposal and Have You Say option can be found at: https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/sydney-park-junction

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OUR VIEW

WalkSydney is pleased to make a submission about the proposed Sydney Park Junction walking and cycling upgrade

WalkSydney is a community group working to make it easier, safer and more pleasant to walk in Sydney. With a growing population we need to ensure people can easily walk to public transport, local shops and services, and shared transport options. The proposed Sydney Park Junction walking and cycling upgrade provides another opportunity to achieve those outcomes.

More space for paths and cycles:

WalkSydney welcomes and supports the proposal which will improve Sydney Park by better integrating the Park with its surrounding environment. The repurposing of road space for wider and continuous paths especially at May Street and Goodsell Street as well as permanent cycleways along Princes Highway/King Street and Sydney Park Road are welcomed.

Expanded areas of plantings:

The proposed increase in the tree canopy will complement the residential areas adjoining the park and provide for a more convivial landscape. A walking experience is enhanced by a green landscape. Although peripheral to the scope of the project, an upgrade of Camdenville Park with trees and street plantings between Camdenville Park and King Street would assist achievement of the objectives of the St Peter’s Square upgrade.

Intersections:

All the intersections with other road users need to be fair and not privilege vehicle drivers. A walker should not need to wait long to cross a road. Therefore all the raised pedestrian crossings as well as the proposed mid-block crossings along King Street and the Princes Highway are welcomed. Where there are traffic lights, these should be responsive to demand or automatic for pedestrians and cyclists. The lower speed limit is supported.

Consideration should be given to removing signals at the Mitchell Road and Sydney Park Road intersection especially as the area is to be used for local traffic. The intersection should be reconfigured as a roundabout with pedestrian/bicycle priority on all arms (also known as a protected or ‘Dutch-style roundabout” – see Figure 1). This would eliminate intersection delay for pedestrians and bicycles.

Figure 1: Protected roundabout

The above improvements would have the added benefit of reducing the effective road capacity and therefore traffic volume and associated impacts – consistent with the project objectives to improve walking movement and connectivity, and state and local government priorities and strategies.

WalkSydney thanks Transport for NSW, City of Sydney and Inner West Councils for the proposal which has been promoted with excellent explanatory material. Thank you for taking the time to read our comments.