6 December 2019

Pedestrian safety is set to be improved at a busy wombat crossing in front of the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club, with construction underway on a $128,000 safety upgrade.

The South Australian Government is delivering on an election commitment to improve pedestrian safety at the wombat crossing, which is located on the Esplanade, Brighton.

The commitment followed concerns raised by Brighton Surf Life Saving Club that the crossing posed a significant risk to children and adults, as it had reported frequented ‘near misses’ there.

The Department of Planning and Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) has worked in partnership with City of Holdfast Bay Council to review and redesign the existing wombat crossing to make it safer for all users.

Council has now begun construction on the upgrade, with completion expected before Christmas, in time for the peak season for the club and summer beachgoers.

The upgraded crossing will include improved street lighting, a new crossing surface and line marking, as well as innovative radar-operated flashing lights which will increase visibility for approaching motorists while also minimising visual impact for neighbouring residents.

The flashing lights will allow people using the crossing and those driving to see each other more clearly, making it safer for everyone.

They will only operate when triggered by an approaching car driver or bicycle rider, who will be detected by radar, instead of flashing continuously.

DPTI is providing $98,000 towards the project, with City of Holdfast Bay contributing a further $30,000.