FAQs

Yes, both of the draft streetscape improvement concept designs address traffic calming as a priority, in response to concerns raised by the community during stage 1 and 2 of the project. 

The draft streetscape improvement concept designs take account of existing and anticipated future parking demands along the corridor and in adjoining streets. Council aims to optimise parking along the corridor, minimise loss of parking and ensure safe access to driveways is retained.

The stage 3 community engagement process will provide the community with an opportunity to review any new proposed parking arrangements along the corridor and provide feedback.

Like many inner-city suburbs, Willoughby is under increasing pressure to accommodate more affordable housing close to transport, shops, services and employment. Major state road upgrades such as the Western Harbour Tunnel are likely to generate more traffic along regional roads such as Willoughby Road. More motorists, cyclists and pedestrians will need to use the Edward and Penshurst Street South corridor in future. 

It is Council and State Government policy to provide transport choices to encourage people to use public transport, walk and cycle more, rather than rely on the car. The streetscape improvement concept designs aim to provide a safer, greener and more attractive environment to encourage and support more cycling and walking along the corridor, as an alternative to car travel.   

It is anticipated that construction will take place during 2025, subject to the securing of necessary approvals. 

The finalised, recommended streetscape improvement concept design will be presented to the Willoughby Traffic Committee for endorsement and will then be submitted to Council in late 2024/early 2025 for formal adoption.

If Council adopts the recommended streetscape improvement design, detailed designs will then be prepared so that Council can procure and appoint a construction contractor. Construction will start once necessary approvals are secured and costings have been finalised and approved.

Council initiated the Resilient Willoughby Schools Active Travel Program to encourage more students and their families across the LGA to leave the car at home and walk, cycle or scooter to school. In early 2022 Council commenced the project at Willoughby Public School in response to concerns raised by the P&C and school executive about pedestrian safety and traffic impacts around the school at peak drop-off and pick-up times. 

As part of their Year 5 geography studies, the students were involved in mapping preferred walking and cycling routes to school (called "active paths") which were subsequently safety checked and confirmed by Council's traffic engineers. 

One of the four active paths is routed along Edward and Penshurst Street South (the green ‘south-western path’ on the Willoughby PS Active Map below). 

The students were also invited to nominate ideas to improve the streetscape for pedestrians and cyclists. See Stage 2 Community Engagement Outcomes Report.

You can find out more about the project by watching this short video:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr451k4npvk(External link)

 .  

The Willoughby South Parking Scheme is a separate project which relates to a much larger geographic area. Its recommendations have however been informed by this streetscape improvement project and have been designed to support its objectives.

You can find out more about the Parking Scheme via this link: Willoughby South Resident Parking Scheme | Have Your Say Willoughby