Lane Cove Council Installs New Pedestrian Crossing at Accident Hotspot

If you have driven along Longueville Road today near Ray White Real Estate Agents you will have noticed a new addition to the Longueville Road Footpath.

Fences have now been installed along both sides of the footpath bordering Central Avenue and Longueville Road.  The reason for installing the fences is to funnel people further down Central Avenue.  A pedestrian crossing has been installed on Central Avenue.

Why Have the Fences/Pedestrian Crossing Been Installed?

Over the years there have been numerous pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents at this intersection.

The new fence near Ray White Real Estate

In the May 2019 Lane Cove Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting it was recommended to Lane Cove Council the following:

“The Committee discussed the proposal to install a Marked Zebra Crossing on Central Avenue, Lane Cove as shown in Appendix D of the Traffic Committee Agenda.

The following comments were received from the Traffic Committee:

  • RMS raised concerns about the pedestrian crossing being marked across two lanes (in the same direction) as a vehicle stopped at the kerbside lane may block visibility of the pedestrian for a vehicle in the second lane.
  • The concept plan shown in Appendix D of the Traffic Committee Agenda shows that there is inadequate space for a vehicle to pass through on the approach when another vehicle is stopped in the kerbside lane.
  • RMS advised to install a concrete island or painted island to emphasise the one-lane approach.
  • Council agreed to install a painted chevron on the approach to the pedestrian crossing.
  • RMS provided their concurrence to the proposed pedestrian crossing on Central Avenue as per the plan shown in Figure 1.
  • The Committee supported the proposal.

Recommendation: That:- 1. Install a marked pedestrian crossing on Central Avenue, eleven (11) metres from the intersection with Longueville Road and associated signs as shown in the concept plan in Figure 1″

Increased Traffic Flow

Over the years, this intersection has become busier.  After the Lane Cove Council blocked vehicles from turning right into Little Street (near the Longueville Hotel) to access the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre, drivers have had no alternative but to access the pool via Central Avenue.  This move has created congestion on Longueville Road and resulted in traffic backing up at this intersection.

New Pedestrian Crossing To be installed here

Pedestrian Safety

The Lane Cove Council has been targetting pedestrian safety with the installation of look out before you step out signs on the footpath.

They have also published on their website the following safety tips.

Safety tips for pedestrians

  • Avoid using mobile phones
  • Cross at marked crossings or traffic lights
  • If you have to walk or run on the road, do so in the direction of oncoming traffic so you are more visible
  • At traffic lights cross only when the pedestrian signal is green.  Do not start to cross when the red light flashes
  • Before you cross a road, think about whether a driver can see you
  • Make eye contact with the driver before stepping out onto a crossing
  • Never assume a vehicle will stop for you
  • Avoid crossing between parked cars or in front of buses
  • Children eight years and under should hold an adult’s hand at all times
  • Children ten years and under should hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road
  • Wear bright or light-coloured clothing at night or in reduced visibility conditions.

What do you think about this new safety feature?

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