Port Kembla residents have breathed a sigh of relief after Wollongong City Council and the NSW Government committed to upgrade the suburb’s active transport network. Photo: Belterz.
Port Kembla will soon be safer and more accessible thanks to upgrades to its active transport infrastructure.
A community push for safety improvements to the Wentworth and Church streets intersection has received backing from Wollongong City Council and Transport for NSW, community advocate Greg Rodgers said.
The speed limit on Church Street is expected to drop from 6o km/h to 50 km/h, and speed cushions will be installed on either side of the current pedestrian crossing.
Longer term the council plans to install a raised pedestrian crossing in its place.
A former Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce president, Mr Rodgers said it was a huge relief for the community.
“Anyone who uses this crossing will tell you a story of when they’ve nearly been killed,” he said.
“I walk through it with my 18-month-old son in the pram and we are almost hit each week – a car might acknowledge you and stop only for another car to overtake them and drive straight through.
“The speed limit on Church Street is 60 km/h, on Military Road it’s 50 km/h and Wentworth Street is 40 km/h; it’s confusing and the line of sight is really poor.
“It’s chaos, there have been so many near misses.
“These upgrades are a big win for the community.”
The NSW Government has announced it will spend $615,000 to upgrade the shared pathway along Military Road.
The funding will be provided to Wollongong City Council and is one of 50 active transport projects throughout NSW that has received funding through the Get Active NSW and Get Kids Active programs.
The grant will support the construction of a 3-metre-wide shared path along Military Road between Third Avenue and Olympic Boulevard to link the beach precinct, Wentworth Street town centre and Port Kembla Train Station.
The project also includes the construction of a 1.5-metre-wide footpath extending along Olympic Boulevard to connect to community facilities and public transport infrastructure.
Greg said anything that made it easier for locals to walk and cycle was a step in the right direction.
“Better active transport connections result in fewer cars on our roads,” he said.
“That’s a win for everyone – it means less traffic and a safer, cleaner environment.”
Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said connecting Port Kembla beach, town centre and train station was crucial to making active transport a safe, accessible option.
“The benefits of regular walking and riding are enormous,” he said.
“This investment comes on the back of more than $11 million in funding to support upgrades to pedestrian and active transport links in and around Wollongong including upgrades around Corrimal Station, Wollongong CBD, Coniston and more.
“Wollongong is a designated bike city and the Minns Government is supporting the infrastructure upgrades that encourages more people to make walking or riding a regular habit.”
