Frederick St, Ashfield: Traffic lights, signalised crossing on table for notorious road

A notorious pedestrian crossing in Sydney’s inner west may soon be safer than ever before, with the NSW Government tabling two options to protect residents.

A troubled and dangerous pedestrian crossing in Sydney’s inner west may soon have long-sought safety upgrades, with the NSW Government revealing two proposals to protect the community.

Ashfield’s Frederick St has long been a notorious black spot with an elderly grandfather, ‘Arthur’, killed at the crossing in March. In a 12-month period in 2015-16, 30 pedestrian injuries were recorded at the intersection which has inherent issues with sight, speed and layout.

However, as a result of community calls, NSW Roads Minister Natalie Ward has announced two proposals for traffic lights or a signalised pedestrian crossing to be installed at the site and is now encouraging resident feedback. Both options would result in the removal of the current iteration of the crossing.

Ms Ward said the proposals are a result of an investigation following the pedestrian fatality earlier this year.

“The NSW Government has actively been investigating how to make the pedestrian crossing safer for the local community and we have carried out a road safety review and feasibility study,” Ms Ward said.

Flowers left at the crossing on the intersection of Frederick st and John St after an 87-year-old man was hit and killed in March. Picture: Alexi Demetriadi

“We now have two potential options that we believe will provide better safety for the community, and we look forward to engaging with the Inner West Council and other key local stakeholders to finalise this important safety improvement.”

The first option would involve installing traffic lights at the intersection of Frederick and John streets, and restricting right-hand turn movements from Frederick St into both sides of John St.

NSW Roads Minister Natalie Ward said she was keen to engage the community in safety upgrades. Picture: Jeremy Piper

A change.org petition to install traffic lights at the intersection has reached 2300 signatures.

Residents and local politicians had previously called on Transport for NSW and Ms Ward to visit the crossing to see the danger for themselves as well as urging safety upgrades.

Max Phillips, a resident who started the petition, said there was “something very wrong” with the intersection.

“We teach our children to cross at pedestrian crossings, because they’re meant to be the safest place to cross the road,” Mr Phillips previously told the Inner West Courier.

“I don’t know what it is – the lighting and signage, or the intersection – but there’s something very wrong with this crossing.”

The second option proposed by the state government would see a signalised pedestrian crossing on Frederick St, between John and Church streets. This would restrict all right-hand turns at the intersection of Frederick St and John St, and the through movement from John St.

“Our local inner west community can have an active role in the future of the site, by providing local knowledge and feedback,” Mrs Ward said.

“We thank the community in advance for their input and understanding as we look to get these safety upgrades are right.”

As part of separate works on Frederick St and Milton St, between Parramatta Rd and Georges River Rd, Transport for NSW will be reducing the speed limit from 60km/h to 50km/h.

Transport for NSW will also be reaching out to residents with updates on the changes and members of the community can provide feedback to the department here, up to October 30.