Princes Road Wombat Crossing

Construction Update April 2024

The upgraded raised pedestrian crossing is now active following final linemarking works, and vehicles are now required to give way to pedestrians. SA Power Networks are now scheduled to install two street lights on the northern side which will mark the finalisation of the project.

Construction Update March 2024

During March, we completed road resurfacing works along Princes Road as part of the pedestrian crossing upgrade.

The raised pedestrian crossing has been installed, however, further linemarking, signage and lighting elements are required before the crossing is fully operational in April, so please take care when crossing.

Construction Update February 2024

Road resurfacing works between Belair Road and Service SA will commence in March. The road works will be scheduled in the evening to minimise disruptions to surrounding businesses.

Please note that during nightworks commencing from 6:30pm, Princes Road will be closed with detours in place and some delays may be experienced. Traffic controllers will be on site to assist residents to safely access their properties.

It is anticipated that weather permitting the asphalt works will be completed between Sunday 17^th March and Thursday 21^st March 2024. Affected residents/ businesses will receive a further notification letter from our asphalt contractor prior to the commencement of road works.

Construction Update October 2023

Construction of the new pedestrian crossing is expected to commence from January 2024 with road resurfacing night works scheduled in February / March 2024.

Please note that during construction works, Princes Road will be limited to local traffic only and some delays may be experienced. A temporary pedestrian crossing will be in place during construction, and we encourage you to follow traffic management controls in place until the new crossing is fully operational.

Affected residents and businesses will receive a further notification letter from our contractor prior to the commencement of these works.

Consultation Outcomes

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on the Princes Road Wombat Crossing on Princes Road in Torrens Park, adjacent to Mitcham Square Shopping Centre.

We received 51 responses with overwhelming support from 43 respondents to install a wombat crossing, including line marking and new pedestrian crosswalk signage with flashing yellow lights. A wombat crossing will improve pedestrian safety and encourage motorists to slow down on approach to the crossing.

It is anticipated that construction will begin in January 2024 as time, resources and budget allocations permit.

Background

Princes Road functions as a two-way distributor road under the care and control of the City of Mitcham. Traffic data along Princes Road indicates that the road carries approximately 5,000 vehicles per day. The road forms part of a public transport route and is additionally serviced by the Mitcham community bus.

Investigations into this area have revealed high pedestrian usage, particularly by vulnerable and elderly groups accessing shops and services. There are currently some minor disruptions to traffic and pedestrian flow due to confusion regarding give way requirements.

Measures previously implemented by Council in this area include clearer roadside signage, improved road lighting and delineation through distinctive colour painted median and pavement marking.

Since then, further studies including pedestrian and vehicle surveys have been undertaken by Council’s Traffic and Transport team. It has been determined through these studies that a raised wombat crossing is the most preferred treatment at this location.

What does this upgrade hope to achieve?

At a raised wombat crossing, vehicles are required to give way to pedestrians on or entering the crossing. The proposed crossing is located between the Mitcham Square Shopping Centre and Goodlife Health Clubs and is positioned so that drivers on Princes Road have clear visibility of the crossing and can approach at a safe speed to give way to pedestrians if required to do so.

In addition, the wombat crossing would be raised similar to a speed hump and include a set of flashing lights to reduce vehicle speeds in that location, even when no pedestrians are present.

When will this project commence?

Council anticipates the commencement of works during January 2024.

Should you have any further enquiries please contact Wilson Nguyen, Project Engineer on 1300 133 466 or email yoursay@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.