Grand Pacific Walk Stage 1 Section 3

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Consultation has concluded

Council resolved at the Council meeting dated 31 July 2017 to stop work on Stage 1, Section 3 of the Grand Pacific Walk (GPW) and conduct a full investigation of all options for pedestrian and cycle access through this section. This review has been completed and the extensive research that has been undertaken clearly finds that the route along Lower Coast and Murrawal Roads is the safest option for all users while remaining consistent with the vision of the GPW project.

To best understand the results of the review it is essential to view the full report on this page.

Background

The GPW project aims to link the southern end of the Royal National Park to Lake Illawarra, linking suburbs in our north with those in our south.

The project will connect existing footpaths and shared pathways with new infrastructure to provide a safer route for pedestrians and, where sufficient width is available, cyclists.

Community engagement for the GPW began with the first formal exhibition being held in early 2013. Concept plans included the Murrawal Road direction. Considerable community support for the project continued in a follow up exhibition in late 2013 early 2014.

However, in 2016 dissatisfaction over the inclusion of Murrawal Road expressed by some residents prompted a review of the direction and after a community update further comment prompted the Council resolution to stop work for a full investigation.

Investigation Method and Process

A total of five different route options have been considered based on feedback and requests from the community. A number of professionals from parties external to Wollongong City Council have been consulted to achieve a comprehensive assessment, including Roads and Maritime Services Engineers, University of Wollongong Engineers, traffic survey consultants, and road safety auditors.

Considered in the investigation were:

  • Geotechnical constraints
  • Site surveys
  • Traffic surveys
  • Road safety audits

Results

Through loss of property, constrained environments, geotechnical slip or compromise to the safety of users through steep grades, limited width and blind corners four of the five route options were considered not feasible.

The Murrawal Road route was found to be the only feasible option. Detailed traffic surveys and road safety audits show that this option provides a safe route for all users while only requiring minimal construction works to build the new footpath and improve the sight lines and intersection treatment.

When will construction commence?

Council has allowed funding for the first quarter of the 2018/2019 financial year.

Work hours will be between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm Monday to Friday, and 8.00am and 1.00pm Saturday and will take 6 to 8 weeks to complete depending on weather.

How can I comment on the planned work?

If you have any concerns or questions about the planned works you can contact Council by 23 April 2018 through:

Emailing: engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au

Phoning: 42 27 7111.



Council resolved at the Council meeting dated 31 July 2017 to stop work on Stage 1, Section 3 of the Grand Pacific Walk (GPW) and conduct a full investigation of all options for pedestrian and cycle access through this section. This review has been completed and the extensive research that has been undertaken clearly finds that the route along Lower Coast and Murrawal Roads is the safest option for all users while remaining consistent with the vision of the GPW project.

To best understand the results of the review it is essential to view the full report on this page.

Background

The GPW project aims to link the southern end of the Royal National Park to Lake Illawarra, linking suburbs in our north with those in our south.

The project will connect existing footpaths and shared pathways with new infrastructure to provide a safer route for pedestrians and, where sufficient width is available, cyclists.

Community engagement for the GPW began with the first formal exhibition being held in early 2013. Concept plans included the Murrawal Road direction. Considerable community support for the project continued in a follow up exhibition in late 2013 early 2014.

However, in 2016 dissatisfaction over the inclusion of Murrawal Road expressed by some residents prompted a review of the direction and after a community update further comment prompted the Council resolution to stop work for a full investigation.

Investigation Method and Process

A total of five different route options have been considered based on feedback and requests from the community. A number of professionals from parties external to Wollongong City Council have been consulted to achieve a comprehensive assessment, including Roads and Maritime Services Engineers, University of Wollongong Engineers, traffic survey consultants, and road safety auditors.

Considered in the investigation were:

  • Geotechnical constraints
  • Site surveys
  • Traffic surveys
  • Road safety audits

Results

Through loss of property, constrained environments, geotechnical slip or compromise to the safety of users through steep grades, limited width and blind corners four of the five route options were considered not feasible.

The Murrawal Road route was found to be the only feasible option. Detailed traffic surveys and road safety audits show that this option provides a safe route for all users while only requiring minimal construction works to build the new footpath and improve the sight lines and intersection treatment.

When will construction commence?

Council has allowed funding for the first quarter of the 2018/2019 financial year.

Work hours will be between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm Monday to Friday, and 8.00am and 1.00pm Saturday and will take 6 to 8 weeks to complete depending on weather.

How can I comment on the planned work?

If you have any concerns or questions about the planned works you can contact Council by 23 April 2018 through:

Emailing: engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au

Phoning: 42 27 7111.