What measures are you proposing to install?

    The draft plan shows you an aerial view (bird’s eye view, looking down from above) of where the proposed road safety measures will go. The measures include:

    • Two speed tables east of the curve in the road. A speed table is a wide speed hump with a flat top. 
    • A speed table approximately 20m east of the Angel Street and Tarrawanna Road intersection.
    • Kerb blisters on the approaches, immediately next to the curve in the road. A kerb blister is a concrete extension of the kerb. It narrows the road, limiting the amount of space and thereby the speed of vehicles travelling through.

    This image shows you an example of a speed table with kerb blisters on either side:

    There will be new line marking and no stopping signs to show what the new road conditions are. The bus stop will be relocated east, a few metres down the road. A stormwater drain inlet on the kerb near the Tarrawanna Road and Angel Street intersection will also be upgraded, to allow more water into the stormwater network.

    Could you install a roundabout at Angel Street instead?

    Earlier this year, we spoke with Councillors and residents concerned about the road safety issues in this location. We talked about the possibility of installing a roundabout at Angel Street. Following this, we looked into whether this option would be best for resolving the issues. After assessing vehicle speeds in local areas where similar measures are used to slow traffic, we found that a speed table would be more effective near the Tarrawanna Road and Angel Street intersection than a roundabout. We also identified soft pavement under Tarrawanna Road and received geotechnical (specialist engineering) advice that a roundabout would require a full pavement reconstruction. This would delay the project and add to the cost.

    How do you know speeding is an issue along this part Tarrawanna Road?

    There two motor vehicle accidents; in December 2020 and January 2021. Residents, a local MP and Councillors asked for a safety review of the location, so Variable Message Signs (VMS) were installed in January 2021 with a reminder for drivers to slow down. These signs also recorded the number of vehicles using the road each day and their speeds. A review of the data was done when the signs were removed at the end of the month. 

    Speed survey data results
    This data indicates an ongoing speeding problem at this location. Average vehicle speeds on approaches to the curve are 55km/h, which is above the 50km/h posted speed limit and recommended 35km/h curve warning sign. Fifteen percent (15%) of vehicles drove faster than 59km/h during the survey.

    Traffic volume data results
    This data shows an average of 4,500 vehicles/day travel along this road, which reflects its function as a busy local road. 

    Will any parking spaces be removed?

    As the driveways on either side of the road don't line up, this limits where we can place these measures. We assessed how on-street parking is used in this area and found that reducing a small amount along either side of the road curve should not have major impacts. The draft plan shows new no stopping zones from numbers 32-40 and 35-39 Tarrawanna Road, which means you would no longer be able to park on the street in this section.

    Will there be enough space for cyclists?

    Provision has been made to allow cyclists to travel through an on-road shoulder (on the side of the road, not with cars).

    When will works start and how long will they take?

    We will be talking to residents and others who use this road and asking for their feedback on the draft plan until 28 July 2021. We'll then use this feedback to complete the design and it will be provided to a contractor who will do the construction. Construction is planned to start towards the end of the year, so that we can meet the deadline set out in the funding agreement. With good weather, they'll take around 6 weeks to complete. We’ll notify those near the site when works are due to start, closer to the date.

    Are there any other road safety measures in this location?

    The new proposed measures build on previous road safety improvements completed in this location in 2016. At that time, the road was reshaped, improving the superelevation (slope) of the curve. Superelevation is where roads are built to slope towards the inside of a curve, to give more effective grip to vehicles travelling around it. This drawing shows an example of a road with superelevation:

    Supporting warning signs were also installed.

    How is this project being funded?

    It is funded through the Federal and State Government’s Stimulus Commitment - Road Safety Program. Projects delivered through this program address Federal and State goals of reducing fatalities and serious injury crashes on the road network (Towards Zero).

    How will my feedback be used?

    At the end of the engagement period, all the feedback we've received is read and considered. Council will use this feedback to make changes to the design if needed.

    How can I join the conversation?