Race to prevent Rozelle’s Victoria Road “traffic sewer” from becoming the next Parramatta Road
However, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said the previous government “simply refused” to come up with any funds or plans for how the road’s reconfiguration might look like or how it would integrate with the surrounding transport network.
“Despite the rhetoric about cycle lanes and tree-lined boulevards, there are no plans at all that have been put to the local community and they have not budgeted for actual improvements to public amenities along Victoria Road in Rozelle. ‘ said Byrne.
The Government predicted that the opening of the underground WestConnex motorway would reduce traffic on Victoria Road near Rozelle by 50 per cent.
“We insist there is an urgent need for the new government to review this and actually engage with our community and consult them about what the future of Victoria Road will be.”
Eamon Waterford, executive director of the Committee for Sydney, said new images created by Grimshaw Architects for the lobby group showed that Victoria Road could be “one of Sydney’s greatest shopping streets”.
The committee argues the changes need to be made around the same time as traffic will be diverted onto WestConnex later this year. Otherwise, traffic will return over time and the opportunity will be lost.
Waterford said they are pushing for four changes, including significantly wider footpaths and new landscaping to create separation from the road; Reducing traffic and speed to create a more comfortable and safer environment; shorter waiting times at traffic lights; and curbside parking.
Victoria Road in Rozelle is a notoriously congested thoroughfare.Credit: Kate Geraghty
“With traffic scheduled to be diverted onto WestConnex and the Western Harbor Tunnel, and with Sydney Metro West and Bays Precinct underway, we have an incredible opportunity to free up rural roads as places for people and local businesses to thrive, but that window won’t last forever stay open.”
A spokeswoman for Transport for NSW said the agency is continuing to work out the future strategy for Victoria Road, which would include “further greening of the corridor, improved public transport links and facilities to support local businesses and the community”.
“Over time, and in collaboration with local government and industry, Transport will also explore opportunities to improve and widen bus lanes, provide parts of Sydney’s urban cycle network, improve footpaths and enhance greening in high demand areas. “
Loading
A lack of progress on a pledge to provide two lanes for public transport on Parramatta Road from Burwood to Haberfield following the opening of an earlier phase of WestConnex previously raised concerns that a plan to remove lanes to revitalize Victoria Road would fail .
Waterford said: “I still believe that we can do something with Parramatta Road, but obviously it’s more difficult now because we kind of missed that moment. Victoria Road is yet to come.”
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Login here.
