City of Newcastle Council has started work on a $2.1 million project that will make it safer and easier for pedestrians, cyclists, and all other road users to navigate two key local intersections.
The work on Parkway Avenue will focus on the approaches to the roundabouts at National Park Street and Smith Street, which both have a history of accidents.
The project is being delivered by Council, utilising $469,000 from the Australian Government Black Spots Program, which is administered by Transport for NSW.
Council Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee chair, Councillor Joel Pringle, said the upgrades have been shaped by community feedback.
“We received more than 400 submissions from drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and 91% of them were supportive of the proposed changes,” Cr Pringle said.
“Parkway Avenue is an important connecting route for schools, sportsgrounds, shopping centres and beaches so these changes are designed to cater for everyone.
“The Parkway Avenue road reserve, including the Norfolk Island and New Caledonian trees, is locally heritage listed and these trees will be retained and protected during the construction phase.
“This will help to maintain the urban canopy, which provides much-needed shade and reduces heat during summer.”
The project will provide traffic calming improvements, including the installation of speed humps and the realignment of the kerb to narrow the lanes, which will enhance safety for all traffic approaching each of the roundabouts.
Further improvements include cycle lanes along Parkway Avenue, with separated off road bypasses for cyclists at each of the roundabouts.
There are also raised shared path crossings across Parkway Avenue at both National Park Street and Smith Street to provide safer and more accessible crossing facilities for the large number of cyclists, pedestrians, and school students who travel through the area.
Executive Manager of Transport and Regulation, Ryan Tranter said the Council had been working closely with the community to ensure the project supports current needs, as well as supporting future development in the area, including the upgrade to Newcastle High School.
“The project’s main aim was to improve cyclist safety by slowing traffic on approach to the roundabouts and provide off-road cyclist bypasses at each roundabout, as well as designated on-road cycle lanes with a clear buffer to parked vehicles,” Mr Tranter said.
“This will help to address the conditions which have led to eight crashes in the past five years at these two roundabouts, with the majority involving cyclists.
“As part of the project we have incorporated two raised shared path crossings on Parkway Avenue in front of the school to improve pedestrian safety in the area, as we also look to improve active transport connectivity between Hamilton South and the commercial areas to the north.
“Our safety improvements align with the transport management plans for Newcastle High School and support NSW Schools Infrastructure’s current campus development project, ensuring the new connections support the expected increase of students coming to the campus.”
Roadworks are expected to commence on 19 August, with the section of Parkway Avenue to be closed to traffic.
“Safer, more accessible options for walking and cycling are exactly what our city needs,” said Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon.
“These upgrades, backed by a $469,000 investment from the Albanese Labor Government, will make a real difference for local residents, families, the Newcastle High School community, and commuters who want a healthier, more sustainable way to get around.
“Better paths and cycleways mean safer streets, cleaner air, and a healthier Newcastle, and I am proud to be part of a Federal Government supporting projects that deliver all of that and more.”
The project is due to be completed by early 2026.
