Council is planning to improve safety and the streetscape in Clara Street. The footpaths in this street are difficult for people to use because they are narrow and access is further restricted by trees and power poles. This results in accessibility issues which causes some people to avoid the footpaths and walk on the road.

To improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, Council is proposing to create a 10km/h shared zone in Clara Street which will also green the street and upgrade the footpaths and road.

The proposed works include:

• installing raised entry thresholds in Clara Street at Camden and Alice Streets
• resurfacing the road and providing a new, coloured stamped asphalt treatment
• reconstructing damaged sections of footpath
• providing landscaped areas in the footpaths and expanding the pits around all existing street trees
• planting one new tree in a new tree pit
• working with residents who are interested in creating and maintaining a landscaped verge garden
• providing new marked parking bays
• constructing new entrances at the entry of the lanes off Clara Street
• improving street lighting by installing brighter bulbs and providing two new lights in front of 114/112 Camden Street and Alice Street
• constructing additional stormwater pits and pipes
• installing shared zone associated signage, replacing any damaged signs and providing new road markings

Parking and traffic changes

The proposal would remove three on street parking spaces to allow pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles to safely pass each other at the narrow section in Clara Street.

The speed limit would be reduced from 50 km/hr to 10 km/hr to make the road safe for everyone to use the street as a Shared Zone.

Other plans in the neighbourhood

Council has recently conducted a parking study in the Newtown area to improve parking for residents. The study proposes to introduce resident parking permit areas on the western side of Clara Street to protect parking for residents and maximise the use of available space. The study is expected to be considered for approval by Council at a meeting on 26 April 2017.

Driveway replacement options

There is an opportunity for householders replace their driveways at the same as Council contractors are constructing the new foot paths. The process is different depending on whether householders would a) like to pay Council contractors to do the work or b) bring in their own contractors.

a) For householders who would like to pay for Council contractors to do the work at the same time as they replace the footpaths

1. Request initial approval by submitting this form to Council by Friday 28 April 2017

Council’s Request for Approval for Vehicular Access (driveway Step 1)

2. In most cases approval is granted, and householders can then liaise directly with Council’s Contractor who will supply a quote on request. Council’s contractor details will be provided following approval of your application.

b) For householders who would like to bring their own contractors in to do the work at the same time as Council contractors replace the footpaths

1. Request initial approval by submitting this form to Council by Friday 28 April 2017

Council’s Request for Approval for Vehicular Access (driveway Step 1)

2. In most cases approval is granted and then this form should be filled in and submitted

Council’s Application for Construction of Vehicle Crossing and Civil Works (driveway Step 2)

The forms can be submitted in person at Council's Admin Centre, 2-14 Fisher St, Petersham or by email to council@marrickville.nsw.gov.au

Driveways - who does what?

Under Section 218 of the Roads Act 1993, the property owner is responsible for a driveway and is liable for all construction and maintenance costs from property boundary to the road. As part of Council’s works we will repair sections of driveways, which have been damaged due to a utility service restoration or a Council tree. Any other damage to a driveway is the responsibility of the property owner.

Have your say

Get in touch with Council using the form below before Friday 28 April 2017 if you are interested in:

• making comment on the design
• creating and maintaining a new verge garden/s in your street

What happens next?

Council has not made a final commitment to creating a Shared Zone and 10km/hr shared zone in your street. All feedback received will be included in a report to the Local Traffic Committee on 1 June 17 and the recommendations from the Committee will be considered by Council at a meeting on 27 June 2017.

The works are planned for next financial year, depending on the outcome of the engagement process, final approvals and funding allocations. Residents will be notified before any works commence.