Audit warns of student safety risks from multiple hazards on Chatswood’s road network

Dangerous traffic conditions on the road network surrounding two top schools has prompted calls for major safety improvements to the road network in Chatswood.

The audit identified multiple concerns with the suburb’s roadways.

Dangerous traffic conditions on the road network surrounding two top schools in Chatswood has prompted calls for major safety improvements to the road network in the CBD.

Willoughby Council has released findings of an independent audit into road safety near Mercy Catholic College and St Pius X in response to complaints about several “near misses” involving students walking and cycling through the Chatswood town centre.

The independent audit identified a “range of pedestrian and traffic safety issues” including a lack of footpath on Wattle Lane that forces students and other pedestrians to walk on traffic and bicycle lanes – creating “obvious conflicts” with cars.

The audit found Wattle Lane also has “numerous trip and slip hazards” including cracked and uneven pavement” that presents safety risks for the “large volumes of students” who use the road.

A street mirror attached to a telegraph pole on Anderson St that is intended to help drivers to check for pedestrians was also found to create “distorted” images that make it difficult for drivers to judge correct distances.

Photos taken during the audit.

“This is critical since some drivers may misuse the mirror as a method of checking for gaps in the road traffic stream and pedestrian traffic from the footpaths,” the audit states.

Multiple concerns have also been raised about road safety on Ferguson Lane including a narrow footpath that results in students walking onto the roadway during busy periods.

Some roads were found to be too narrow for pedestrians.

Construction sites in Chatswood were also found to be presenting safety risks.

On the same street, a fence was also found to be blocking a zebra crossing near The Concourse – resulting in some pedestrians having to walk on the road around the fencing.

The audit called for Ferguson Lane to be converted into a one-way street or a shared zone with a speed limit of 10km/h to “better facilitate pedestrians”.

The audit also found there were improvements needed for bike safety on various roads – including removing confusing parking signs that allow motorists to park directly on a bike lane on Wattle Lane.

Mercy College principal Brenda Timp said school safety was a top priority for the school.

“The safety of our students as they cross Archer St is paramount (and) we have been impressed by the response of Willoughby Council to our concerns,” she said.

“We are confident that our request for the installation of new pedestrian fencing will be favourably considered.”

St Pius X College principal Michael Ronchetti has also supported measures to have the traffic hazards addressed.

The audit identified several trip hazards.

“Road safety is a constant concern for the college and we work hard to ensure crossings and other areas are supervised regularly,” he said.

“Obviously there can be some peak times before and particularly just after school when we have to be especially vigilant.”

A photo of a crossing that was identified as being too narrow.

The audit also identified twisted and damaged street signs in multiple pedestrian areas, a kerb ramp at the Archer St/Wattle Lane/Malvern Ave intersection that did not match up with the pedestrian crossing, and a wombat crossing near Chatswood Chase on Archer St that was also too narrow for both cars and pedestrians.

At the corner of Anderson St and Wattle Lane, fencing at a construction site at the time of the audit was found to be blocking sightlines for drivers and pedestrians using footpaths.

The council’s traffic committee has recommended a range of improvements to the local road network including new bollards, pedestrian fencing and improved signage.

The traffic committee has recommended the works to be undertaken this financial year.

Willoughby Council has been contacted for further comment about the audit.