The journey along Illawarra Highway at Albion Park will soon be safer with the installation of a pedestrian refuge.
Work will involve installing kerb and concrete to the middle of the highway forming a refuge around 190 metres west of Hamilton Road for pedestrians to cross the highway safely. Street lighting will be upgraded, as well as new line markings and signs.
Transport for NSW executive director Cassandra Ffrench says the project aims to increase safety in a high pedestrian area, giving a safe option to cross the road and reduce the likelihood of crashes.
“This is a 50 km/h section of road that is frequented by pedestrians accessing nearby businesses, the bowling club and residential areas. It is also the location of a fatality in October 2022, and we are working to improve safety at this location,” she says.
“By installing a formal crossing and refuge we are giving pedestrians more time to cross the road, and protection at the refuge point in the middle.”
To facilitate this important new safety infrastructure, some parking changes on the highway are required.
Works will take around two weeks to complete, beginning from Tuesday January 27, Monday to Friday, weather permitting. Most of the work will be carried out during the day between 9.30am and 2.30pm. There will be occasional night work carried out between 7pm and 6am.
During work hours, single lane closures and a reduced speed of 40 km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists.
The bus stop on Tongarra Road before Amaral Avenue will be temporarily relocated 50 metres west until work is complete.
Motorists are advised to allow 10 minutes additional travel time, drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
The $485,000 project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Road Safety Program.