Construction of Pacific Highway shared paths

Thank you to everyone who took part in our community and stakeholders consultation including those who attended the webinar for the Pacific Highway Shared Path proposal in June 2021.

Council has considered all of the feedback received and where appropriate, incorporated it into the detailed design plans. The final detailed design plans were considered by the Traffic Committee at its meeting on 18 August 2021 and subsequently, Council has approved the project for construction on 18 October 2021.

The new active transport infrastructure will connect with the existing network with the aim to increase walking and cycling trips - a key part of managing the city population growth and reducing congestion to ensure a sustainable future for our city.

Benefits of the active transport (walking and cycling) infrastructure

The new shared paths will connect the Chatswood CBD, Artarmon Industrial area, Royal North Shore Hospital precinct and St Leonards Strategic centre. It will also link with the adjacent Lower North Shore Councils’ bicycle networks – making walking and cycling a healthy lifestyle and safer option for people who choose to ride to access local schools, train stations, local centres, parks, businesses or for work. These connections align with the NSW Government’s bike network plans for Lower North Shore areas.

The new shared path connections include:

construction of new and wider concrete shared paths and associated signs and pavement markings
relocation of four bus stops/bus shelters, to ensure safe access for pedestrians and cyclists (at Pacific Hwy/Palmer St, Pacific Hwy/Eric St, 143 Pacific Hwy and TAFE NSW)
removal of one bus stop/bus shelter, to improve bus movements and efficiency (at 269 Pacific Hwy)
installation of new 4 bus shelters along the shared paths
installation of kerb extensions at intersections to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety
removal of 10 small trees to enable relocation of two bus shelters and shared paths
installation of 45 new trees along the new 3.5 km length shared paths, creating a cooler, greener and more comfortable pathway for walking and cycling.

Construction

The project construction will be undertaken in two stages:

Stage 1 - all civil works, landscaping works, and signs and pavement markings in 2021/22 and 2022/23.
Stage 2 - all traffic signal modification works in 2023/24.

Council will start the construction of the shared path in mid-March 2022. Works are expected to take five months and will be completed by August 2022 (weather permitting).

Night works (from 9:00pm to 5:00am) are planned for construction and are required by Transport for NSW to ensure public safety; minimise traffic congestion and reduce impacts on local businesses. All property and business driveways will be maintained as fully accessible during the construction period. All bus stops and bus services will also be maintained and fully operational.

Some kerbside parking will be temporarily occupied for construction purposes and safe working areas. Traffic management plans will be used to manage good traffic flows, safe pedestrian access and maintain safe driveway access during the construction period.

Please drive safely and take care during this time.

Updates

Date	Update
October to December 2024	New round of comments from TfNSW have been addressed for eight signalised intersections, and pending review and approval from TfNSW.
January to June 2024	Ongoing traffic signal design approval will continue throughout this year.
October to December 2023	Stage 2 - Ongoing traffic signal design approvals with TfNSW.
July to September 2023	Stage 1 completed (civil works components). Stage 2 delayed due to authority approval delays TfNSW.