Wollongong and West Wollongong New Shared Paths

Here’s a summary of what we heard and how it was considered in the project proposing Shared Pathways in Virginia Street and Bourke Street.

Safety

Feedback about the impact the plan would have on safety was mixed. Safety concerns focussed on the interaction between users of the path and increased blind spots for drivers.

How your feedback was used

We note the designs proposed are for shared paths along all these routes to cater for both pedestrians and cyclists (of all levels) and we consider this proposal suitable in striking the balance for mixed-use for all users to share. By law bicycles are considered a vehicle in NSW and are eligible to ride on the road and we still expect this behaviour to occur by advanced riders.

We’ve amended the plan to include additional advisory line marking along the driveways to warn vehicle users on their obligation to give way to cyclists at driveway crossing points in line with current best practice.

Flooding

Several residents raised concerns about flooding. Council was asked to investigate the potential impact the proposed path has on water overflow in Virginia Street. It was suggested the Bourke Street shared path would be better on the north side as it is in urgent need of upgrading the undersized drainage infrastructure for flooding and pedestrian safety need and to reprofile the verge and crossovers to contain as much flood water within the Council’s Road reserve as possible.

How your feedback was used

Council considers the impacts of flooding as part of all new infrastructure projects. Council are currently reviewing the feasibility of delivering the shared path on the north of Bourke Street and will re-engage in the future with the outcome.

Environment

Some members of the community were concerned about the reduction in shade and greenery when established trees were removed for the shared path. The reduction in shade and greenery was mentioned in several submissions with a request to plant more trees, using local native species. Several people commented on the addition of black oxide coloured concrete for the path and its effect on urban heat.

How your feedback was used

Council, where practically possible, endeavour to introduce new street trees at every opportunity when constructing new footpaths and shared paths in the LGA. For this project the presence of underground communication and electrical services and limited verge width have prevented the introduction of new street trees on the western side of Virginia St.

Black oxide coloured concrete has been proposed in this location in accordance with councils adopted Public Domain Technical Manual as Virginia St is identified as a Mixed Use/ Residential Street in the hierarchy map.

Traffic, Parking, Speeding

Some members of the community were concerned about the high volume and speed of traffic in Bourke and Virginia streets and highlighted options for traffic calming measures like raised crossings, roundabouts or narrower intersections. Alternatively, several submissions thought providing active transport links in the area would reduce traffic.

How your feedback was used

We’ve amended the plan following further investigation and a review of community feedback.

The proposed Shared Path on Virginia Street will form part of a broader network of cycling links planned for Wollongong. This network also includes a Shared Path on Bourke Street which establishes the east-west link from North Wollongong Station to the Foreshore – this is programmed on our Infrastructure Delivery Program to be completed in two stages. The expanded Shared Path network will provide increased opportunities for the community to safely and sustainably access these areas and reduce the reliance on private vehicles, and in doing so, reducing congestion.

Additionally, it is noted that the Bourke Street / Virginia Street and Bourke Street / Keira Street intersections were upgraded to signalised controlled to improve safety and traffic calming by Transport for NSW.

Signage

There were mixed views on moving the no stopping signs. There were various suggestions for improving signage including:

• incorporating cyclists in the traffic signal lanterns,
• adding wayfinding signs to the area,
• adding solid yellow lines on either side of the George Hanley Drive crossing blister,
• increasing the size and number of instructional signs (rules) on the shared paths to improve safety for users,
• line marking to be continuously featured along the path.

How your feedback was used

The final design plans will incorporate cycling wayfinding signage in accordance with regulatory guidelines and consistent with examples across our LGA. Regulatory signage and line marking such as the yellow lines as well as separated line marking along the shared path is incorporated in the final detailed design.

What’s Next

The feedback we received from the community has been used to make changes were possible. We’ll notify the community about the construction of the new shared path prior to any works commencing. At this stage we believe that will be in the first half of 2025.

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