Refuge in Rawson Rd?

Gosford Council's local traffic committee will investigate the possibility of installing a pedestrian refuge in front of the shop in Rawson Rd, Woy Woy.

The plans come after a request by more than 25 petitioners concerned over the safety of the area and to assist local wheelchair bound student Liam Sainty.

However, the petitioners' call for a footpath in Moana St, Woy Woy, was rejected by council.

According to a council report, the priority for the construction of a footpath was low due to the higher priority given to other locations throughout the local government area.

"The option of establishing a pedestrian refuge of Rawson Rd in the vicinity of the shop on the northern side of Rawson Rd between Mutu St and Moana St to facilitate the safe crossing of Rawson Rd will be investigated in consultation with the local traffic committee," the council report stated.

"Such a refuge may serve the dual purpose of establishing a safe general crossing facility in Rawson Rd as well as improving access to the shop.

"The requested concrete footpath in Moana St is estimated to cost $40,000 and would be required to be constructed along a length of 410 metres southerly from Rawson Rd to the property where Liam lives.

"The construction along the full length of Moana St would cost a total of $60 000.

"Council's road safety and traffic coordinator has spoken with Liam's grandmother who confirmed that the existing footpaths in Rawson Rd and Edward St along with the marked pedestrian crossing in Ocean Beach Rd to the north of the roundabout will provide suitable passage for Liam when he commences at Brisbane Water Secondary College (at Woy Woy) in 2011."

Council agenda P.30, 22 Jun 2010 COR.76, 22 Jun 2010