Bayview: $1m plans for pedestrian and cyclist access on Pittwater Rd

A notoriously dangerous road for cyclists could soon become a lot safer if a $1m plan by Northern Beaches Council is approved.

A notoriously dangerous road for cyclists could soon become a lot safer if a $1m plan by Northern Beaches Council is adopted.

A shared footpath and updated seawall are among $1m plans to improve a high-risk road in Bayview.

Northern Beaches Council has proposed plans to upgrade Pittwater Rd, between Bayview Sea Scouts Hall and the Bayview Baths, with a walkway and seawall upgrade as part of its bike plan.

A project planner from council said that coastal erosion had caused the existing footpath to become uneven in places and difficult to traverse.

The upgrade works aim to prevent further erosion and improve pedestrian access.

“The proposal would include the removal of the existing footpath and replacement with a new wider 2.2-metre-wide-footpath,” plans state.

Council plans to widen the concrete path and protect the embankment from coastal erosion.

“The proposed seawall will be comprised of stepped sandstone blocks and sandstone rock toe protection, which will protect the bank and provide tidal habitat for fauna.

“Doing nothing would likely result in progressive damage to the embankment … and ongoing safety and access issues for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Construction is expected to start between April and August 2023.

The current path has been heavily impacted by coastal erosion.

The project will cost just over $1m and will be funded from the State Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program.

If approved, construction is expected to start between April and August 2023, generating 10 construction jobs along the way.

Northern Beaches Council said that traffic and pedestrian access would be affected by the construction.

“One traffic lane will be closed for the duration of the works. Temporary traffic lights will provide a contraflow arrangement along the affected section of Pittwater Road,” the council report states.

“Pedestrian access will be closed along this section of Pittwater Road during the works. An alternate route will be provided via Fermoy Ave, Roches Ave, and King Edward Ave.

“Access to Sea Scout Hall, Bayview Tennis Club and Gibsons’s Marina car park will be maintained throughout the project.”

The plans are out for public comment until November 30.