Cycleway Progress – CBD, Pyrmont and Woolloomoolloo

From eNews 445 – Friday, 1 May 2009

The City's first separated cycleway, on King Street in the CBD, opens for use on Monday, including our first cyclist-specific traffic lights to improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. The official opening is scheduled for World Environment Day in June.

On Monday afternoon, Council's Environment and Heritage Committee will consider a report on detailed plans for a two-way separated cycleway along Union Street Pyrmont, between Union Square and Pyrmont Bridge, which will connect with the King Street cycleway.

The City exhibited concept designs for this cycleway late last year. We received strong support for location of the cycleway on the north side of the road and other improvements, including footpath widening, a new pedestrian crossing and new street trees and planting. The detailed design retains these elements, while resolving the major concern raised about the concept design.

Local residents expressed significant concern about the possible impact of a ban on right hand turns from Union Street into Murray Street. The refined design retains the right hand turn lane by reducing westbound traffic to one lane on Darling Drive. This improved approach is supported by the RTA and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, which are responsible for Darling Drive.

The detailed design also proposes integrating water harvesting from adjacent downpipes and footpaths for the street trees and planting, enlarging the pedestrian island for the Darling Drive slip lane, improving the connection to the Darling Drive cycle lane, and upgrading the existing streets.

In Woolloomooloo, construction will begin on the first part of the Bourke Street cycleway in June. This first stage runs from Cowper Wharf Road to Corfu Street, near the Eastern Distributor entrance. As well as the cycleway, work includes new trees, bus stops, pedestrian crossings, kerb extensions, and landscaping. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Stage 2 of the Bourke Street route, a separated cycleway with streetscape improvements and new pedestrian measures, extends from Corfu Street to Phillip Street in Redfern and will begin later in the year. Stage 3, comprising shared paths from Phillip Street to Elizabeth Street Zetland, will begin in the first half of 2010.

As work begins, City staff and contractors will keep residents informed about construction schedules. They will work to minimise disruption and noise, and be available to hear feedback and answer questions.

Information

  Union Street, Pyrmont – Design Report: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/MeetingsAndCom...

  Bourke Street Tender: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/MeetingsAndCom...

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