Fix Sydney's worst pedestrian crossing now, says Council

Wednesday 16 March 2022

Inner West Council will pressure the NSW Government to finally approve the long-awaited safety upgrade to the Dulwich Hill railway station pedestrian crossing.

Council has approved a raised, signalised intersection at Wardell Road and Dudley Street, but Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is dragging its feet, said Deputy Mayor Jess D’Arienzo.

“I lived near the station for a decade and used the train station daily. I’ve seen far too many near-misses,” she said.

“This crossing is dangerous because it’s on a crest, around a bend and barely visible.

“Council has approved works for a raised and signalised crossing. But for some reason, TfNSW has yet to approve the necessary traffic controls.

“The upgrade will make the crossing safer for our community. We need TfNSW to get on with the job,” Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo said.

At Tuesday night’s Council Meeting, Councillors noted the significant community support for the upgrade and that this has been a high priority for Council for some time.

“This has been an ongoing fight for the local community and I acknowledge the staunch advocacy of community groups such as Save Dully Resident Action Group,” Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo said.

“Which is why we unanimously resolved to step up the pressure on TfNSW to finally give us the necessary approvals,” she said.

Council voted unanimously to write to the NSW Government advocating for approval and to receive a briefing on whether there are other significant traffic improvement works behind schedule because they are awaiting Transport for NSW approval.

Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo said this was an urgently needed critical safety upgrade and people’s lives were at risk.

There’s good reason why locals call this ‘Sydney's worst pedestrian crossing’,” she said.

“Our works are fully funded and we’re ready to go. Why the delay?

“The only thing standing in the way of keeping Dully commuters and residents safer is Transport for NSW,” Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo said.

The pedestrian upgrade is part of Council’s $3.65 million Dulwich Hill Station Precinct Public Domain Improvements Project.

For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath, Media and Communications Coordinator, 9392 5334 or Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au