Why fixing Frome St bike mess can’t wait any longer

PLANS to fix the controversial Frome St bikeway are set to be brought forward after councillors passionately argued this week to avoid another “Le Cornu site” delay in the district.

An artist's impression of how the northern end of Frome St would look under an early plan to extend the bikeway.

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PLANS to fix the controversial Frome St bikeway are set to be brought forward after councillors passionately argued this week to avoid another “Le Cornu site” delay in the district.

Adelaide City Council was initially waiting on a planning report due to be handed down in November, but after a lengthy debate at this week’s council meeting it pushed for a result so the organisation can deliver on its election promise to fix the polarising bikeway.

Wayville resident and keen cyclist Caroline Herman at the start of the Frome Rd bikeway. The bikeway has again been the focus of council debate. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Councillor Anne Moran, who has passionately fought to get works started on the project in recent months, said regardless of plans, work should start.

“We’re approaching the two year mark (of inaction) — give us the plans in November but let’s start,” she said.

“It’s become a Le Cornu site of a project,” she added in reference to the long-vacant North Adelaide former Le Cornu site which has also been plagued by inaction.

Councillor Alex Antic had a more hands on approach.

“I would do it tonight if I was given an extension chord and a jack hammer,” he said. “We need to fix it and it’s overdue ... we need to do something.” Councillor Houssam Abiad argued that the separated bikeway should be immediately removed to show that the council is serious about moving forward with the project.

“Don’t sit here and rip this Band-Aid bit by bit — get it done,” he said.

“We have wasted enough ratepayers’ money.”

Council staff will now prepare plans to redesign the bikeway with a report set to be handed down to the council in the coming weeks.

This week the council also approved $50,000 to be spent on preparing a report into the point to point bikeway scheme, another issue that divided councillors despite being voted through.