A high pedestrian activity area is set to be introduced on the busy main street of Bowral next month to improve the safety of pedestrians and motorists.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said community members and tourists alike will benefit from the traffic improvements that will be installed on one of the busiest streets in Bowral where various commercial and retail activities take place.
“Between July 2015 and June 2022, there were 13 recorded crashes on this stretch of road, including two pedestrian crashes,” the spokesperson said.
“Traffic improvements will include a reduced speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h on Bong Bong Street between Bowral and Bundaroo streets.
“To further encourage motorists to slow down and to emphasise the presence of pedestrian activity the existing zebra crossing will be raised, kerbside blisters and additional warning signs will be installed, and linemarking will be improved.”
The spokesperson said detailed community consultation was carried out on the high pedestrian activity area and proposed changes in April and May 2023.
“Feedback we received from the community was supportive of changes to enhance the safety of pedestrians through Bong Bong Street. We heard that a 30 km/h speed limit was not warranted due to congestion and instead will implement a 40 km/h speed zone,” the spokesperson said.
“A speed limit review was carried out in accordance with the NSW Speed Zone Standards. A speed limit of 40 km/h was found to be appropriate for the roadside environment.”
Work to install the high pedestrian activity area will be carried out from Sunday 2 June for three weeks, Sunday to Thursday nights between 7pm and 5am, weather permitting.
Bong Bong Street between Merrigang and Boolwey streets will be closed to all vehicles on Sunday 16 June between 7pm and 5am with detours via Bendooley Street.
The new speed zone signs will be installed on Thursday 20 June.
Message boards will be onsite one week before and one week following the speed zone reduction, to notify motorists of the changed speed limit.
