Background

At the November 2021 Council Meeting, Councillors resolved to give in-principle support to installing a pedestrian crossing on Barnstaple Road for Russell Lea Public School students and the broader community. The Council also resolved to investigate a traffic refuge or appropriate safety measures on Brent Street, as well as several other investigations regarding pedestrian safety improvements.

Barnstaple Road Proposal - August 2023

In August 2022 we consulted with the community about proposed pedestrian crossings on Brent Street and Barnstaple Road, Russell Lea. At the Council meeting on 18 October 2022 the construction of the crossing on Brent Street was approved and construction has recently been completed. In consideration of feedback from the community, Council resolved to review the proposed location of the pedestrian crossing on Barnstaple Road.

Council has completed this review, including consideration of additional pedestrian movement data collected over the past 12 months, interfaces with surrounding residences and creating better and safer access for the community to open spaces.

As a result, it is now proposed to construct a raised pedestrian crossing on Barnstaple Road just west of McCulloch Street. A concept plan outlining the proposed configuration is attached.

The current proposal will connect students to Russell Lea Public School, whilst also improving pedestrian access for the broader community by constructing accessible paths in Larkins Reserve.

The proposal also includes the installation of improved street lighting at the pedestrian crossing. This proposal will require the removal of 3 parking spaces adjacent Larkins Reserve and 2 parking spaces on the northern side of Barnstaple Road.