Safer school drop offs thanks to new school zone infrastructure
Published on 21 July 2023
Cessnock City Council is pleased to announce the successful completion of the School Zone Infrastructure program, aimed at improving pedestrian safety for six local schools.
The School Zone Infrastructure Sub Program has prioritised the installation and enhancement of key road safety features at the following schools;
- Holy Spirit Primary School
- Kurri Kurri High School
- Kurri Kurri Public School
- Stanford Merthyr Infants School
- Paxton Public School
- Weston Primary School
The works included 40km/h school zone road patches and dragon's teeth, footpaths, wombat and zebra crossings, pedestrian fencing, pedestrian refuges, signage, kerb ramps, guttering, kerb blisters, and lighting at pedestrian facilities.
Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal said the project aimed to establish secure pedestrian connections that benefit children, their parents and carers, and the wider school community.
"These improvements play a vital role in promoting pedestrian safety by reducing vehicle speeds within school zones and providing pedestrians with safe route options," said Clr Suvaal.
"Raised pedestrian (wombat) crossings, a significant addition to the infrastructure, have demonstrated the potential to reduce pedestrian-involved accidents by up to 50 percent."
The successful completion of this project showcases Cessnock City Council's commitment to prioritising road safety and creating safer environments for all residents. The Council extends its gratitude to the NSW government for funding this vital initiative, which will have a lasting positive impact on the community.
This initiative is part of the $540 million Federal Road Safety Program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments and has implemented various road safety treatments, to ensure safer journeys for pedestrians within school zones on their way to and from school.