FAQs
What is road infrastructure?
Road infrastructure is a term that we use to mean any physical assets like the road itself, and anything associated with it. For these projects we are mainly referring to things relating to pedestrian safety such as raised pedestrian crossings, signs and other visual markings (line markings).
Why are you changing the road infrastructure in these locations?
In 2022, Wollongong hosted the UCI. The race route travelled through much of the Wollongong foreshore area. Some of the existing infrastructure had to be removed or altered to enable to a safe route for the cyclists.
The specific locations of the proposed works are identified as popular crossing areas or busy intersections with a mix of pedestrian, cycling and vehicle movement. They also provide travelling connections between different areas and recreation precincts across the Wollongong foreshore area.
Rather than reinstate what was previously there, we now have an opportunity to improve safety and access so that more people can enjoy these areas. These projects have been coined “UCI legacy projects”.
How did you decide what to do in each location?
We’re upgrading each location primarily to prioritise pedestrian and cyclist safety and accessibility. The concept designs have been developed based on the current standards and practice in Active Transport Infrastructure, data collected during the busiest times of the year (December-January) and community feedback provided over the years.
When will the works be completed?
Some of these projects were programmed for construction in the 2022/23 Financial Year but have been delayed. Others are programmed for 2023/24 FY. All projects are now rolled over (carried over) into the 2023/24 FY.
The specific projects will likely be constructed at different times pending things like availability of work crews, and managing the impacts of construction works for the community and residents. We’ll keep the community informed of what will happen and when.
Why are you putting in a cycle path on Cliff Road?
This is a busy and popular stretch of road that connects the north and south ends of the foreshore area. We know that many cyclists enjoy the challenge of the uphill climb on Cliff Road. We can make it safer by visually marking the cycle paths and looking at changing the speed limit to 30km/h.
(We’re also working with Transport for NSW, to look at lowering the speed environment).
A cycle path on Cliff Rd also means that there is an additional safe cycling route, alongside the Blue Mile.
Why doesn’t the dedicated cycle path extend for the whole of Cliff Road in both directions?
The cycling path is a dedicated lane on the incline (north and south) of Cliff Road. We’ve previously heard from the cycling community that they like the climbing challenge that Cliff Road provides, and they’d like to see improved road access in this area. This design allows us to maintain the standards required for a dedicated bike lane on the incline.
Once the dedicated cycling lane ends, it transitions to on-road sharing (as it is currently).
What happened with the feedback from the previous engagement about the Bourke St and Cliff Road intersection?
In 2018, we asked the community to share their ideas on improving safety at this intersection. We heard that the ability to cross safely for everyone was a priority as well as improved road access for bikes. One of the most common suggestions for safety improvements at the intersection was to install a pedestrian crossing.
The project team have been able to consider this feedback in the design of these plans. The proposed crossings will be installed at the points where pedestrians most commonly cross this intersection.
Why are there different speed limits proposed?
The proposal to lower the speed limit across the foreshore area to 30km/h is to recognise that this area has high pedestrian and riding activity and to create a shared zone that is safer for all road users.
The area that has the new proposed 10km/h limit is the North end of Cliff Road, adjacent to Stuart Park and South towards Bourke St. While previously this area was designed as a road, it’s current use is as a very popular shared zone, with very high pedestrian and cycling traffic, and parking spaces. The lower speed limit supports this by prioritising pedestrian and cyclists safety.
Where can I see hardcopy versions of the plans?
You can come along to our pop-up information stand. You can also visit Customer Service at 41 Burelli St or any Wollongong City Libraries branch.
What will happen with my feedback?
Once the engagement period is closed, the project team will review and consider all the feedback we’ve heard from the community. They’ll use it to refine or make any changes to the designs where appropriate.
Where can I find out more about the foreshore parking management over summer?
Please check out this page to learn more about the foreshore parking management strategy.