Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) will progress with plans to upgrade safety along Hastings River Drive following support from Councillors to do so at Thursday's ordinary meeting.
On Thursday, Councillors endorsed PMHC's recommendation to progress with design, investigation and cost estimations to install traffic and pedestrian lights on Hastings River Drive near Aston Street, Port Macquarie.
The recommendation - contained in a report authored and presented to Councillors on Thursday - was endorsed unanimously. It stemmed from a safety review conducted at the site following April's tragic road fatality.
Once design work is undertaken, plans to signalise the crossing are required to be taken to Transport for NSW for approval. Funding opportunities to assist with future installation of the traffic lights will be discussed with both State and Federal Governments prior to further consideration by Council of funding required for the installation works.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council Director of Community Infrastructure, Robert Fish, said the measures will help alleviate safety risks and aid in the possible prevention of future tragedies.
"As Councillors have now endorsed the preferred option for signalised lights at this location, we can now progress with design, seek approval from Transport for NSW and encourage them, and the Australian Government, to consider funding opportunities to help address this known black spot," he said.
"Should we be successful, then this will help reduce or eliminate the need for Council to contribute to the project cost. Progressing with initial design and investigation works shall occur prior to any external funding commitment to support the prompt delivery of the signalised traffic lights."
"Through our representation with both State and Federal Governments, we will do all we can to help safeguard our community from future road-related incidents."
In addition to the signalisation of the crossing, PMHC has enacted a number of immediate initiatives to address safety at this and other crossings across the LGA. These initiatives aim to improve visibility and awareness of the crossing, motorist compliance and for pedestrians to take caution in crossing.
As part of these initiatives, PMHC is progressing with the installation of 20 NSW Centre for Road Safety-approved thermoplastic patches branded with the message "Look out, before you step out."
In consultation with the Local Traffic Committee, several upgrades have already been undertaken near the Aston Street crossing including provision of oversized/higher visibility signs on approach, improved zig-zag pavement markings, street lighting upgrade and vegetation maintenance.
One has already been installed at the Hastings River Drive pedestrian crossing, while others will be rolled out at as crossings on Pacific Drive and Kennedy Drive, High Street in Wauchope, Ocean Drive in North Haven and Bold Street in Laurieton.
