Proposed Blues Point Road Safety Improvements

The proposed Blues Point Road Safety Improvements respond to longstanding community concerns about speeding, dangerous driver behaviour, traffic noise and pedestrian safety within the McMahons Point precinct.

The project aims to create a safer, quieter and more attractive environment for residents, visitors, businesses and people travelling through the area.

The proposal includes:

• New raised pedestrian crossings
• Continuous footpath treatments
• Traffic calming measures, including speed cushions
• Gateway treatments at key entry points to McMahons Point
• Kerb extensions to shorten pedestrian crossing distances
• New landscaping and street tree planting
• Public domain and streetscape improvements

These measures are intended to improve pedestrian safety, reduce vehicle speeds and support a more walkable neighbourhood.

Blues Point Road is the primary traffic corridor through McMahons Point and is one of the most heavily used roads in the peninsula.

It provides access to local businesses, parks, public transport services, homes and popular waterfront destinations. Council has received ongoing feedback from the community regarding speeding, traffic noise and pedestrian safety along the corridor.

The proposed improvements focus on locations where safety benefits can be achieved while supporting the overall movement of people through the area.

Yes.

To accommodate the proposed pedestrian crossings, kerb extensions and other safety improvements, approximately 13 on-street parking spaces are expected to be removed.

The removal of parking is necessary to provide clear sightlines at pedestrian crossings, improve visibility for all road users and deliver the proposed safety improvements.

Road safety standards require clear visibility between drivers and pedestrians near crossings and intersections.

Some parking spaces need to be removed to ensure that pedestrians can be seen by approaching drivers and that vehicles have adequate sight distances when entering and leaving intersections.

Council has worked to minimise parking impacts wherever possible while maintaining appropriate safety outcomes.

Raised pedestrian crossings improve safety by:

• Making pedestrians more visible to drivers
• Reducing vehicle speeds when approaching crossings
• Providing safer crossing opportunities
• Improving accessibility for people with mobility aids, prams and wheelchairs

Raised crossings are commonly used in areas where pedestrian safety is a priority.

Speed cushions are raised traffic calming devices installed on the road surface to encourage lower vehicle speeds.

Unlike traditional speed humps, speed cushions are designed to slow passenger vehicles while reducing impacts on buses and emergency service vehicles.

Their purpose is to improve safety and encourage drivers to travel at appropriate speeds.

This question almost always arises during traffic-calming consultations. Including it from the outset can reduce resident enquiries and help address concerns about noise, driver comfort, emergency vehicles and bus operations.

Yes.

The proposed safety improvements form part of Council's broader strategy to improve road safety within McMahons Point and support an application to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for a 40 km/h speed limit south of Union Street and Lavender Street.

Any changes to speed limits require assessment and approval by TfNSW.

A High Pedestrian Activity Area (HPAA) is an area where there are high numbers of people walking and where additional safety measures are appropriate to support pedestrian movement.

Examples typically include areas near shops, transport connections, parks, community facilities and other destinations that generate significant pedestrian activity.

Council is seeking to support an application for McMahons Point to be recognised as a High Pedestrian Activity Area.

No.

The landscaping and street tree planting proposed as part of the project will be designed to maintain appropriate sight distances for drivers and pedestrians while improving the appearance of the streetscape.

Plant species and locations will be carefully selected during detailed design.

Construction timing has not yet been confirmed.

Community feedback received during consultation will help inform the detailed design and decision-making. When the project proceeds, updates regarding construction timing will be provided to the community.

You can provide feedback by:

• Completing the online survey
• Reviewing the concept plans and supporting documents
• Providing written comments through the Your Say North Sydney project page

Community feedback will be considered before any final decisions are made.

All feedback received during the consultation period will be reviewed and considered by Council.

A community engagement report summarising the feedback received and key themes raised will be prepared following consultation and used to inform the next stage of the project.