City of Playford completed the Blakeview Local Area Traffic Management study (LATM) in 2023, following a $400,000 grant from the state government's Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
The study included engagement with the local community, traffic movement analysis and assessment of the area by independent traffic engineers, aimed at understanding, managing and mitigating traffic-related issues in the growing suburb.
Mayor Glenn Docherty said that a key part of the study was listening to the community and understanding their experiences of living in Blakeview.
"The study commenced with consultation with local residents to understand their views about traffic-related issues in the area," the Mayor said. "Much of the feedback from the community centred on challenges with on-street parking, entering and exiting properties and pedestrian accessibility."
Other themes raised as part of the study include safety of pedestrian crossings, traffic congestion during peak times, particularly around schools, and speeding.
Through the study, a series of projects have been identified to address concerns and improve the community's experience of the area. Construction of a number of the identified upgrades will be funded from the $400,000 grant allocation.
"Council has already started construction of a number of the upgrades and will complete the works over the coming months," Mayor Docherty said. "These include upgraded lighting at pedestrian crossing points, as well as installation of dedicated parking bays on Jamieson Road to assist with school pick up.
"Council has listened to the needs and aspirations of the Blakeview community and with support from State Government, will complete work to make it easier for the community to get around and access their local area."
Lee Odenwalder MP, Member for Elizabeth, said the study and subsequent improvements are an example of local and state government working together to improve liveability in the north.
"Before the last election I spoke to many residents in Blakeview who told me that, while they loved their neighbourhood, there were many ways that traffic, parking and road safety could be improved in the area," Mr Odenwalder said.
"I was pleased to secure a $400,000 commitment from the State Government which paid for a comprehensive council traffic study, and for the road safety works we now see taking place around Blakeview.
"The study has also identified further works for the future, and I look forward to working with the City of Playford on bringing some of those projects to fruition.
"These works are a great example of council and State Government working together to secure good outcomes in our area."
The construction of the projects identified in the study are being rolled out in Blakeview from February and are expected to be completed by June.
Projects funded for construction under the Blakeview LATM state government grant include:
- Mansfield Park / Village Terrace intersection - installation of pedestrian refuge with lighting upgrade.
- Main Terrace / Village Terrace intersection - installation of pedestrian refuge with lighting upgrade.
- Wombat crossing at Main Terrace - installation of Tactile Ground Surface Indicators.
- Uley Road- installation of three new pedestrian crossing points.
- Village Terrace - installation of new kerb ramp.
- Park Lake Boulevard - installation of two pedestrian crossing points with lighting upgrade.
- Wombat crossing at Park Lane Boulevard - lighting upgrade.
- Jamieson Road - installation of dedicated parking bays with parking restrictions.
- Waratah Drive - pedestrian crossing point upgrade.
- Hedgestone Place - kerb ramp and connection to reserve path.
- Cowley Street - new footpath.
Additional improvement projects identified in the Blakeview LATM Study that are not funded through the state government grant allocation will be considered by Council for funding in future annual business plan and budget processes.
