Pedestrian safety a priority for Cessnock CBD Works

Works in the Cessnock CBD are winding down with the majority of the upgrade now completed in Cooper and Charlton Streets. Council is finalising works that will ensure the safety of pedestrians in the Cessnock CBD with the introduction of a 10 km/h Shared Zone.   Council’s Infrastructure Manager, Katrina Kerr thanked the business owners and residents for their patience.  

“The plan was to have the project finalised earlier but as the upgrade has progressed we’ve identified new opportunities to deliver a safer finished product. Council has received approval from Roads Maritimes Services to implement a 10 km/h Shared Zone along the paved section of Charlton Street, on each side of Cooper Street. This is an excellent addition, as it will significantly improve pedestrian safety so that shoppers can move freely around the CBD.”  

Drivers are reminded that a 10 km/h Shared Zone is a road where pedestrians and other vehicles share the road safely. Drivers are legally required to give way to all pedestrians and not exceed the 10km/h speed limit. It’s all about putting pedestrians first and slowing vehicles down in an area that has very high pedestrian activity.   Signage will be installed to ensure drivers and pedestrians are aware of the change to traffic flows and that pedestrians have priority of movement in the area.  

The activity in the CBD is part of Stage 1.1 of delivering the Cessnock CBD Master Plan and associated Cessnock Commercial Precinct Project. This is all part of the Cessnock CBD Revitalisation that includes the Bridges Hill Park Playground project and access improvement upgrades.   

To find out more about this project including background information and what the future holds for the CBD visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/community/cessnockconstruction.  

The project is funded through the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund and NSW Governments Restart NSW– Resources for Regions Program. For further information about shared zones visit Centre for Road SafetyTransport for NSW.

 11/18/2019