Council to consider Esplanade traffic extension

Newcastle City Council will consider one-way traffic flow for the remaining length of Shortland Esplanade from Zaara Street through to Watt Street on Tuesday night as work continues on the Newcastle Beach section of the Bathers Way project.

Two new pedestrian crossings and a roundabout for the intersection of Zaara Street and Shortland Esplanade will also be considered as part of ongoing amenity improvements and extension of the Nobbys to Newcastle Beach traffic arrangements.

Ageing retaining walls south of Newcastle Beach Surf Lifesaving Club are currently being rebuilt as utility providers work to identify associated underground electrical assets throughout Newcastle East.

"We are making these pedestrian and traffic improvements to replace ageing infrastructure and continue the Bathers Way from Newcastle to King Edward Park," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"This work is the next step in our iconic Bathers Way project and the contract to complete the works was let earlier this year. Next week's Council meeting will be the opportunity for Council to confirm how traffic will flow."

Director Infrastructure Frank Cordingley said: "Work is progressing and contractors have been on site this week identifying the location of utility assets. These investigations have taken them outside of the works area and into other streets in Newcastle East. This activity will be finalised in the next few days and work will return to the Shortland Esplanade construction site.

"Understanding what the area looks like below the surface is an essential part of the construction works. This area has been excavated many times over the years for road and drainage works, as well as to install and maintain high voltage cabling and other utilities. We encourage community members who use the area frequently to adhere to the site works fencing and signage."

Project details

The southbound vehicle lane with a contra-flow cycle way arrangement will be lengthened from Zaara Street to Watt Street as part of the Bathers Way project if Council gives the traffic proposal the green light.

Footpaths and the roadway will be replaced and improvements made for on-street parking, cycle and beach access, and traffic management.

The one-way traffic solution for Shortland Esplanade was included as part of the Bathers Way Domain Plan approved by Council in 2012.

The concept plan for Shortland Esplanade and Church Street between Zaara Street and Watt Street was endorsed by Council in December 2014, including the one-way restriction from Zaara to Watt.