Traffic Calming on River Street, Maclean

Construction has started on the traffic calming measures along River Street, Maclean.

Thank you! We received excellent feedback on the traffic calming measures and the pedestrian/cyclist facilities from the community engagement held in June 2024.

We also took note of the concerns raised. As a result, we've made the following adjustments to the final design:

1. The design now includes a raised Wombat crossing northeast of Dwartes Lane. This enhancement provides further traffic calming and gives pedestrians priority when crossing River Street to access the shared path and shared zone along the Clarence River.
2. We've added broken lines to improve driver awareness for right turns into and out of the BP, in accordance with NSW road rules for 'painted islands'. Another concern raised about the pedestrian refuge in front of the BP was congestion caused by vehicles waiting to turn right into the BP. To address this, the design includes a 5.5-meter-wide roadway, allowing vehicles to slowly pass those waiting to turn right into the BP from River Street.
3. The crossing point at the 'Clarence River Fishermans Co-op' has been removed to minimise the impact on available parking along River Street. Additionally, parking spaces have been added at the exit of the shared zone.
4. The crossing width across Howard Street has been reduced. The proposed kerb return on the northeastern side has been extended to enhance visibility and shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians.

View the updated plan for construction here. Please continue reading for more details about the overall project.

Traffic Calming and Pedestrian & Bike Rider Safety Improvements on River Street, Maclean
Enhancements are planned to improve road safety on River Street, Maclean, between Union Street and the 100 km/h zone. The project aims to reduce crashes by slowing traffic and making the area safer for pedestrians and bike riders. Additionally, the project will activate the river area by providing better access for residents and visitors to enjoy the river views.

Key features of the design:

• Gateway entry treatment and slow point: features garden beds and signage near the transition from 100 km/h to 50 km/h zones to alert drivers to reduce speed.
• Raised safety platform: near the fish coop and service station to slow traffic where pedestrians cross.
• Pedestrian refuges: strategically placed safe crossing points that also act as traffic calming measures.
• Upgrades to the McLachlan Park access road along the river: creating a better surface and safer shared zone for vehicles, pedestrians, and bike riders. This will also include the reinstatement of the western access and one way travel through the shared zone.
• Separated shared user path: running on the road between Union Street and Dwartes Lane, providing a dedicated space for pedestrians and bike riders. This is planned to eventually connect to a pathway between Maclean, Harwood and Yamba.
• Raised wombat crossings: near the public toilets, replacing an existing speed hump to enhance pedestrian visibility and provide an accessible connection. Additionally, a new wombat near Dwartes Lane has been added to enhance pedestrian connectivity.
• New pavement and high friction skid resistance seal- already installed.
• Concrete footpath on top of the levee wall: proposed path from the marina to Dwartes Lane, subject to underspend or future funding.

Over one million dollars from the Federal Black Spot Program has been allocated to this project. The upgrades to the McLachlan Park Access Road are funded by the Crown Land Flood Recovery Program and the National Disaster Relief Assistance Program.