Beachside crossing upgrade to enhance access for pedestrians and cyclists

City of Newcastle is improving access to one of its most popular coastal precincts.

Councillors last night unanimously endorsed plans to upgrade the pedestrian crossing on Memorial Drive, which will make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to access Bar Beach.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen navigates Memorial Drive at the current pedestrian crossing, which will be upgraded to provide safer, easier connectivity in this busy coastal precinct.

The new raised crossing will create a safer connection between Empire Park and the busy coastal precinct, increasing visibility of pedestrians and removing confusion caused by the current staged crossing and refuge island.

Councillor Carol Duncan said the upgrade would deliver on City of Newcastle's commitment to support active transport options.

"We've listened to the community and are working to deliver solutions that ensure they are able to safely and easily navigate our footpaths, cycleways and road networks," Cr Duncan said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the multi-stage project would improve safety and accessibility in the precinct for pedestrians and cyclists.

"The precinct surrounding Bar Beach is heavily utilised by community members accessing Empire Park, the Cooks Hill Surf Club, Bathers Way and the beach itself," Cr Clausen said. 

"This upgrade will make the road crossing between these destinations shorter and more accessible for pedestrians.

"It will also enhance the cycling network in the area, with the second stage of the project including a new shared pathway from the Memorial Drive crossing to Bar Beach Avenue, which will create an off-road link that allows cyclists to travel easily between Bathers Way and Parkway Avenue."

Almost 90 per cent of community members who responded during the public exhibition period were in favour of the upgrade, which also includes landscaped kerb extensions and a new narrow median to create a safer and more streamlined solution for all road users in this area.

Following the Council's endorsement, the project will move into a detailed design stage ahead of future construction works, with the project to be delivered over two stages.