The NSW Government is planning to replace the pavement level pedestrian crossing on Warringah Road at Starkey Street with a new pedestrian bridge above the road.
Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea said the proposal aimed to improve traffic flow along Warringah Road through Forestville, to minimise delays and to improve road safety as part of enabling work for the Northern Beaches Hospital.
“A large number of pedestrians cross the Warringah Road intersection with Starkey Street to access shops, schools and community facilities and to connect with bus services.
“A recent survey showed more than 100 pedestrians cross at this intersection each hour in the morning peak. Motorists are stopped for 30 seconds each time the crossing is activated to allow pedestrians to safely cross six lanes of traffic,” Mr O’Dea said.
Roads and Maritime developed and evaluated four options for the intersection improvement project. The evaluations included traffic modelling to assess network and intersection performance, an economic analysis and a value/risk management workshop to consider the options and identify a preferred plan.
Mr O’Dea said, “The preferred option to replace the existing crossing with the new pedestrian bridge includes relocating the eastbound bus stop to the east of Starkey Street, near the pedestrian bridge. It also provides a defined path through the existing car park to the new bridge and bus stop.”
Mr O’Dea said the NSW Government welcomes community and stakeholder feedback on this proposal and will consider any feedback as planning progresses.
“The community will be invited to comment on the plan when the environmental assessment for the bridge proposal is placed on public exhibition next year. A Review of Environmental Factors will be prepared to examine the likely and potential impacts associated with building and operating the pedestrian bridge,” he said.
Comments should be sent to Joanne Moore at joanne.moore@rms.nsw.gov.au or 8849 2345 or Roads and Maritime Services, PO Box 973, Parramatta NSW 2124.
