The Curl Curl to Freshwater Connectivity and Streetscape Upgrade project has had a long history. Click on the tabs below to learn more about the different design phases of the project, the various stages of community consultation and the development of concept plans.

Snapshot

In 2021 we engaged with the community on a cycleway between Lawrence Street, Freshwater and Bennett Street, Curl Curl to improve connections within the cycling network. Three options were presented for consideration and we noted that we were proceeding with option 1B. This design was approved at the Local Traffic Committee held on 5 April 2022 and a Road Safety Audit was undertaken.

Details

During August and September 2021 we asked for comments in relation to a shared path proposal. The concept plan for a new (2.5m wide) shared path along Oliver Street in Freshwater, and Bennett Street and Park Street in Curl Curl was open for comment between 23 August and 19 September 2021 and received 317 comments.

Feedback during that consultation strongly reflected community support for improving walking and cycling connections along the proposed route, however suggested we consider a separated cycleway. View the engagement outcomes from the first stage of engagement here.

Following community input we exhibited alternative design options for connections on the eastern side of Oliver Street, Freshwater. These were open for comment between 17 November and 15 December 2021. We received 681 comments with feedback indicating a high level of support for an improved cycle connection between Curl Curl and Freshwater.

Response on the best option was mixed. Over half the respondents supported either a separated cycleway, separated cycleway narrowed to retain parking, or shared path. Feedback also reflected a quarter of respondents did not support any proposal. Detailed feedback and outcomes from this second round of engagement are available in the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report.

At the Northern Beaches Local Traffic Committee meeting held on Tuesday 5 April 2022, the committee supported the:

A. Installation the hybrid design of sections of shared user path and separated cycleway along the eastern side of Oliver Street between Freshwater Village and Brighton Street and then onto Park Street on the northern side of Bennett Street

B. Installation of a cycleway priority crossing at the following locations:

a. Shared pedestrian/cycle crossing in Lawrence Street near Dowling Street, Freshwater

b. Shared pedestrian/cycle crossing in Soldiers Avenue

c. Shared pedestrian/cycle crossing in Wyndora Avenue near Jacka Park

d. Shared pedestrian/cycle crossing in Wyuna Avenue

e. Shared pedestrian/cycle crossing in Brighton Street and then across Oliver Street

f. Shared pedestrian/cycle crossing in Bennett Street

C. The installation of the Safe Street zone treatments in Park Street to facilitate the required self-enforcing speed zone requirement for a 20km/h

Read the report and minutes (Item 4.22).

Following conversations with the community, we undertook a Road Safety Audit on the civil design that supported the construction of the cycleway. The community were then advised of the preferred design.

Council then commenced preliminary linemarking works for the Oliver Street cycleway network between Lawrence Street to Robert Street, Freshwater.

The community was advised that future work would commence early January 2023 and would consist of a shared user path and on-road cycleway network, including improved pedestrian facilities at key intersections.

Responding to community feedback, we paused works to allow for a review of the project and further community consultation.

Next steps

It was noted that over the next week the community would see activity along Bennett and Oliver Streets while the work site was made safe.

This includes:

• returning the line markings at northern end (Bennett and Oliver Streets between Park Street and Wyndora Ave) to original state.

• installing a new pedestrian crossing at Adams Street and Park Street, replacing the pedestrian refuge that was removed as part of the works.

• removing No Stopping signs that were erected for the construction.

• making minor changes to line markings where kerb barriers have been installed, and painting of the island at southern end of Oliver Street, between Lawrence Street and Surfers Parade.

Alternative design options showing two potential cycleway options on the eastern side of Oliver Street to improve connectivity to Freshwater Village, St John the Baptist School and Church, Harbord Public School and surrounding business.

The previously exhibited concept plans can be viewed here.

View the options comparison tables that were previuosly presented to the community in the images below, or download a copy here.