MEDIA RELEASE
16 December 2009
PEDESTRIAN FENCE WILL IMPROVE SAFETY
ALONG SYDNEY ROAD
A pedestrian fence will be installed on Sydney Road, Seaforth after the RTA
investigated significant safety issues following two fatalities and several pedestrian
crashes.
An RTA spokesperson said the decision to install the pedestrian fence between Hope
Street and Frenchs Forest Road had not been taken lightly and comes after
community consultation and extensive investigations into safety on this road.
“Sydney Road in Seaforth is a busy road that is used extensively by both motorists
and pedestrians,” the spokesperson said.
“Instead of crossing at the lights at Kempbridge Avenue, pedestrians are
unfortunately crossing the road at unsafe locations which is causing significant safety
concerns.
“The RTA has reviewed crash data for the five years to December 2007 which shows
the section of Sydney Road between Hope Street and Frenchs Forest Road has a
high pedestrian crash history.
“This part of Sydney Road has experienced five pedestrian crashes, including two
fatal crashes.
“These deaths are tragic and the RTA needs to act to improve safety for everyone
using Sydney Road,” the spokesperson said.
“Pedestrians are among our most vulnerable road users and people also need to be
aware of their own safety when crossing roads.
“About 20 per cent of the people killed on NSW roads each year are pedestrians. Of
those killed or injured, children and older pedestrians are the most vulnerable,” the
spokesperson said.
The RTA has met with the community and key stakeholders on a number of
occasions to find a solution to the serious safety problems.
In 2006 the RTA reduced the speed limit on Sydney Road to 50km/h.
After the community consultation process the RTA has reviewed the u-turn ban that
was recently implemented on Sydney Road at Hope Street. The RTA will change
this ban to only operate during morning and afternoon peak periods on weekdays.
The RTA will also be reviewing the line marking on the left turn slip road from Manly
Road into Sydney Road to reduce vehicle speeds around this corner.
A review of the traffic signal phasing at the intersection of Sydney Road and
Tempbridge Avenue is also being done to improve pedestrian safety.
Work is expected to start in January 2010 and will take place at night to minimise the
disruption to traffic and businesses along this section of Sydney Road.
The RTA will advise residents before work on the fence starts.
CONTACT:
RTA Media Unit 8588 5999
NEWS 
