Thousands of cyclists and pedestrians will find it safer and easier to navigate a busy Newcastle intersection thanks to a $2 million upgrade being delivered by City of Newcastle.
Construction has kicked off on the project, which will address challenging safety and accessibility issues experienced at the existing crossing on Maud Street, near the intersection of Vera and Prince Street, Waratah West.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and City of Newcastle Works Coordinator Trevor Cocksedge at the Maud Street upgrades.This crossing is used by more than 3,200 people each month and is a key link in the regionally-significant cycleway connecting the University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus with the city centre.
The current pedestrian refuge will be replaced with a signalised crossing to reduce the risk of interactions between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while improved lane alignment, kerb extensions and shared paths will further boost safety at the intersection.
Stormwater upgrades, road resurfacing, landscaping and new kerb and guttering will also be delivered as part of the project, which is being partly funded by $300,000 from the NSW Government.
Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the upgrades will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living and working in the area.
"We are committed to ensuring Newcastle is a cycling and pedestrian-friendly city," Cr Clausen said.
"Feedback during the public exhibition of these plans indicated that the majority of the community supports the need for crossing improvements, enhanced pedestrian and cyclist safety, and connectivity.
"The upgrades will make it easier for students travelling to the nearby University by improving this important link in Newcastle's wider cycleway network.
"The NSW Government funding for the new traffic signals that will be installed on Maud Street will further support these significant safety improvements and enhance the connection from the suburbs through to the city."
NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the upgrades will boost safety for pedestrians and cyclists commuting to and from the city and University.
"These upgrades will go a long way in supporting City of Newcastle's vision to make Newcastle a cycling and pedestrian-friendly city, as well as supporting active lifestyles for people who choose to ride to work in the city, or the University," Minister Moriarty said.
City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the project will involve day and night work to minimise impacts on Maud Street.
"Our team has worked with Transport for NSW to design and plan a solution for what is currently a challenging crossing to negotiate for pedestrians and cyclists," Mr Thomson said.
"These road safety improvements will also include improved lane alignment when traveling northbound on Maud Street, and kerb extensions and shared paths on Prince Street and Vera Street. Vera Street will be changed to a left-in only from Maud Street to further improve safety at this intersection.
"There will be minor disruptions during the construction period with some temporary changes to traffic, cycling, and pedestrian access in the area. We encourage all road users to plan ahead and drive safely on our roads."
This project is part of City of Newcastle's commitment to developing vibrant, safe and active public places, and is expected to be completed by October, subject to weather.
