Feedback sought on funded pedestrian safety improvements

Councillor Jilly Pilon with Member for the Legislative Council Mr Taylor Martin at the Oakland and Ashton Ave intersection The EntranceCouncillor Jilly Pilon with Member for the Legislative Council Mr Taylor Martin at the Oakland and Ashton Ave intersection The Entrance

The community has been invited to provide feedback on a proposal to improve pedestrian safety on Oakland Ave, The Entrance.

Member of the Legislative Council, Mr Taylor Martin, said the NSW Government had allocated $150,000 for a proposal to install a pedestrian refuge north of the Oakland and Ashton Aves intersection, to help pedestrians cross the road safely.

“The proposal also involves installing concrete footpaths, islands, and pram ramps on both sides of the street, to improve access to the new pedestrian refuge,” Mr Martin said. “Not only will it improve access, the new refuge will also improve safety for pedestrians by allowing them to cross one direction of traffic at a time,” he said. “This crossing will also provide a safer access to the local shopping precinct.

“Concrete islands will improve sight distance between motorists and pedestrians as they will provide motorists with a better view of pedestrians waiting to cross the road. “To ensure there is enough line of sight for the safety of motorists and pedestrians crossing, the new pedestrian refuge would result in some loss of on-street parking spaces. “Roads and Maritime will aim to reduce the loss of parking space wherever possible. “One mature tree will also need to be removed to allow this work to be carried out.

“Additional trees on the western side of Oakland Ave will be assessed by an arborist and may need to be removed or trimmed to allow installation of the footpath and pram ramps.” The community is encouraged to send feedback by Friday, March 23, to Roads and Maritime Services. “All feedback received will be taken into consideration with work expected to start mid-year, weather permitting.” The community will continue to be kept updated as the project progresses.

Source: Media release, Mar 9 Todd Kirby, office of Taylor Martin