2025/676706
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Forum review the installation of the following traffic treatments along the Sydney Observatory Access Road:
(A) New footpath along the southern side of the Sydney Observatory Access Road west of Upper Fort Street.
(B) New raised pedestrian crossing on the Sydney Observatory Access Road at its access to the Sydney Observatory National Trust Centre.
Forum Members for this Item
|
City of Sydney |
|
Transport for NSW |
|
NSW Police – |
|
Representative for the Member for |
Advice
The Forum raised no issues with this Item.
Background
The Sydney Observatory Access Road (Access Road) is a key
walking route for people walking to popular destinations such as the Sydney
Observatory National Trust Centre, Fort Street Public School (FSPS), Sydney
Harbour Bridge, and nearby parks. Many pedestrians especially young students
from FSPS use Kent Street, Agar Steps, and Access Road to reach their
destination.
The footpath from the top of Agar Steps currently ends halfway along the Access Road, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road. Visitors have raised safety concerns, as walking along the road puts them at risk from passing vehicles. The FSPS community has highlighted that school children, often become confused when the footpath ends leading them to either walk on the grass verge which can be a trip hazard or along the road, which increases the risk of conflicts with passing vehicles.
In response to concerns from the community, the City is proposing pedestrian safety improvements along the Access Road to enhance pedestrian safety.