Parkway Avenue cycling and safety improvements

The raised combined crossings proposed during the community engagement period have been replaced with raised shared path crossings. As designs for this project were being finalised, changes were made to the Australian Standards for traffic control devices, which gave us the opportunity to include these new style of crossings (read more about them below).

The speed cushions that were originally proposed will be replaced with full width speed humps to address feedback regarding noise and vibrations associated with motorists in larger vehicles not slowing sufficiently for speed cushions.

The existing bus stop fronting 189 Parkway Avenue will be moved towards National Park Street to facilitate the placement of a concrete boarding pad.

With a distinctive yellow colour, these new style of crossings (formally known as raised priority path crossings) are where shared path users e.g. pedestrians and cyclists, have priority when crossing the road.

Unlike many other pedestrian crossings where cyclists are required to dismount and walk their bikes across, this type of shared path crossing allows people riding to stay on their bikes and ride through safely. They are designed to support smoother and safer travel for everyone using the shared path.

We've recently installed one as part of our Islington Cycleway project.

This project is focused on making Parkway Avenue and the surrounding area safer and more comfortable for everyone, especially near schools and busy crossings. Speed humps are one of the tools we’re using to help slow traffic near the roundabouts, improving safety and visibility for everyone.

No. The crossings have been carefully placed where people most often walk, based on counts we’ve done during busy times. They’re designed to keep students and families safe while still allowing cars and school buses to move through smoothly. We’re working closely with the school to make sure everything fits in with drop-off and pick-up times.

The selected locations provide the safest and most direct path for people walking and riding. The alternative crossing location in front of the school gates would not stop people crossing near National Park Street and Smith Street and would create greater disruption to school transport and nearby residents.

No. This project focuses on improving safety for on-road cyclists at the two roundabouts and providing safe crossings along Parkway Avenue. However, narrowing the roadway at Smith and National Park Streets will help make it easier for people to cross.

The upgrades are designed to calm traffic and improve safety. Some minor delays may occur as vehicles are required to give way at the new raised shared path crossings. These delays are considered acceptable considering the improved safety outcomes.

Yes, there will be some changes to on-street parking to enable the safety improvements that this project will deliver. Around 10 spaces near the National Park Street roundabout and around 12 near the Smith Street roundabout will be reallocated to allow for upgrades to enable safer pedestrian crossings and calmer traffic. These changes support streets that work better for everyone, whether they are walking, riding, or driving.

Yes. Bus turning movements have been checked during the planning and design stages of this project and local bus companies have been consulted.

All Norfolk Island and New Caledonian pines in the central median will be retained, with arborist advice followed during construction to protect them.

To facilitate the safety and cycling improvements that this project will deliver, we will need to remove a small number (4) of street trees and a section of hedge.

We have been working closely with School Infrastructure NSW to align our project with their ongoing redevelopment of the Newcastle High School campus.

The school redevelopment project requires improved crossing facilities in Parkway Avenue, and the construction of a shared path along Smith Street between Parkway Avenue and a new student entry.

We are building new raised shared path crossings on Parkway Avenue as part of this project, while School Infrastructure NSW is delivering the shared path along Smith Street.

Together, these upgrades will make it easier and safer for students, families and the wider community to get to and from the school.

Parkway Avenue is part of the R1 regional cycle route between Adamstown and Bar Beach. This project improves safety along this corridor and supports future links to the Honeysuckle Foreshore cycleway via Smith and National Park Streets.