Admittedly, it’s a very distracting strip of Newcastle – whether you’re a pedestrian or a driver, the stretch of coastline between Cooks Hill Surf Club and Empire Park offers a lot to look at.
That’s why City of Newcastle (CN) is hoping to install a safer crossing between the beach and park before a distraction leads to misfortune… or worse.
In a bid to reduce risk, plans are afoot to put in a raised pedestrian and bicycle crossing between the two recreation hubs.
This would replace the existing marked crossing and refuge island on Memorial Drive.
The upgrade would also include the installation of landscaped kerb extensions and a new narrow median strip.
The plans are designed to create a safer and more streamlined solution for all road users in this area.
A new shared pathway between Bar Beach Avenue and the Memorial Drive crossing is proposed for the second stage of the project, creating a new off-road link for cyclists between Bathers Way and Parkway Avenue, including an upgraded facility for crossing Bar Beach Avenue.
The community is being invited to have its say on the staged proposal.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project would deliver improved outcomes for the community.
“City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring community members are able to safely and easily navigate our footpaths, cycleways and road networks,” she explained.
“The precinct surrounding Bar Beach is heavily utilised by pedestrians and cyclists accessing Empire Park, the Cooks Hill Surf Club, Bathers Way and the beach itself.
“We look forward to working with the community on our plans for these important pedestrian and cyclist upgrades to improve safety and accessibility in this area.”
The project is the latest investment to be made by CN in the surrounding precinct, with a range of works underway to enhance accessibility and recreational opportunities in the area including upgrades the to the floodlighting and cricket practice nets at Empire Park.
City of Newcastle is continuing to remediate storm damage and improve accessibility at Bar Beach to ensure safe access for all beach users.
This includes the recent completion of a temporary beach access ramp, the replacement of temporary water-filled barriers with upgraded balustrade fencing, and enhanced beach access for surf club vehicles.
Rehabilitation works to the promenade area are currently in design, which will include the construction of a new permanent accessibility ramp, new stairs, upgrades to seawalls and the installation of new handrails. The reinstatement of four beach access points between Bar Beach and Merewether Beach are also planned.
Community members can log on to www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay by 18 December to provide feedback on the concept designs for the Bar Beach pedestrian and cyclist improvements.
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