Sydney’s Inner West Council has accused the NSW Government of “dragging its feet” over a long-awaited safety upgrade to the Dulwich Hill railway station pedestrian crossing.
Council has approved a raised, signalised intersection at Wardell Road and Dudley Street, but is still awaiting Transport for NSW (TfNSW) sign-off on the works, said Deputy Mayor, Jess D’Arienzo.
“I lived near the station for a decade and used the train station daily. I’ve seen far too many near-misses,” she said.
“This crossing is dangerous because it’s on a crest, around a bend and barely visible.
“Council has approved works for a raised and signalised crossing. But for some reason, TfNSW has yet to approve the necessary traffic controls.
“The upgrade will make the crossing safer for our community. We need TfNSW to get on with the job,” Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo said.
At last night’s Council Meeting, Councillors noted the significant community support for the upgrade.
“This has been an ongoing fight for the local community and I acknowledge the staunch advocacy of community groups such as Save Dully Resident Action Group,” Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo said.
“Which is why we unanimously resolved to step up the pressure on TfNSW to finally give us the necessary approvals,” she said.
Council voted unanimously to write to the NSW Government advocating for approval and to receive a briefing on whether there are other significant traffic improvement works behind schedule because they are awaiting Transport for NSW approval.
“There’s good reason why locals call this ‘Sydney’s worst pedestrian crossing’,” the Deputy Mayor said.
“Our works are fully funded and we’re ready to go. Why the delay?
“The only thing standing in the way of keeping Dully commuters and residents safer is Transport for NSW.”
The pedestrian upgrade is part of Council’s $3.65 million Dulwich Hill Station Precinct Public Domain Improvements Project.
Inner West says State Govt stalling on city’s ‘worst pedestrian crossing’
