Maud Street Upgrades Begin to Enhance Cycling and Pedestrian Safety

3 September 2024

Maud Street Upgrades — Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and City of Newcastle Works Coordinator Trevor Cocksedge at the Maud Street upgrades.

An upgrade valued at $2 million is underway at a busy Newcastle intersection, aimed at improving safety and accessibility for thousands of cyclists and pedestrians. The project, spearheaded by City of Newcastle, focuses on the Maud Street crossing near the intersection of Vera and Prince Streets in Waratah West.

This area, used by over 3,200 people each month, serves as a crucial link in the region’s cycleway network, connecting the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus with the city centre. The existing pedestrian refuge will be replaced with a signalised crossing, reducing the likelihood of conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The project also includes improved lane alignment, kerb extensions, and shared paths to further enhance safety.

Additional works such as stormwater upgrades, road resurfacing, landscaping, and new kerb and guttering are part of the upgrade, with $300,000 of funding provided by the NSW Government.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen emphasised the positive impact these upgrades will have on the local community.

“We are committed to making Newcastle a city where cyclists and pedestrians feel safe and welcome,” Cr Clausen said. “The community feedback showed strong support for these improvements, which will enhance safety and connectivity for everyone, particularly students commuting to the University.”

NSW Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, highlighted the importance of these upgrades for those commuting to the city and University.

“These enhancements align with Newcastle’s vision to foster a cycling and pedestrian-friendly environment, encouraging active lifestyles for those choosing to ride to work or school,” Minister Moriarty said.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure, Clint Thomson, noted that the project will involve both day and night work to minimise disruptions on Maud Street.

“Our team has collaborated with Transport for NSW to design a solution for what has been a challenging crossing for pedestrians and cyclists,” Mr Thomson said. “These improvements include better lane alignment for northbound traffic on Maud Street, as well as kerb extensions and shared paths on Prince and Vera Streets. To further improve safety, Vera Street will become left-in only from Maud Street.”

While some temporary changes to traffic, cycling, and pedestrian access will occur during construction, the project is expected to be completed by October, weather permitting.

For further details and updates on this project, and other projects, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works