Intersection upgrades deliver safer crossings for kids

Safety on the daily trip to school for students in Waverley has levelled up with the upgrade of two local intersections as part of Waverley Council’s Safe Routes to School Program.

The upgrade at the intersection of Gould St and Warners Ave includes two new raised crossings that match the level of the connecting footpaths, improving accessibility for pedestrians with mobility devices. There are also more visible traffic islands.

The upgrade at the intersection of Blair St and Mitchell St converted two existing pedestrian crossings to raised crossings on either side of the intersection. A new raised pedestrian crossing on the southern arm was also added.

Both intersection upgrades include improved footpaths, stormwater drainage, electrical, landscaping and new line marking at crossings and on connecting roads.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said community safety is of critical importance to Waverley Council.

“Ensuring safe and accessible public infrastructure is one of my top priorities,” Cr Nemesh said. “Parents and carers should have confidence in the safety of their children in walking to school.”

“More children walking to school means less traffic congestion around schools at drop-off and pick-up times and so improves safety and the flow of local traffic in the area.”

This project is part of Waverley Council’s Safer Routes to School program. It is funded by Transport for NSW’s Get Kids Active program, aiming to make walking safer and easier, and encouraging parents and children to choose walking or riding to school.

Member for Coogee and Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Dr Marjorie O’Neill MP, said: “Active transport options are a great way for kids to get to school, but they need a safe way to do it. The Get Kids Active Program is all about making it safe, easier, and more fun for kids to walk and ride to school.”

“The NSW Government is investing in our community by improving safety for children and parents alike by improving active transport infrastructure and helping to make the school run just that little bit easier.”

Walking to school has well-understood benefits including increased physical activity, better concentration in class and improved well-being through a degree of independence.