Works for the Birrell Street Renewal project (between Newland Street and Bronte Road) were undertaken between May - September 2023.

Residents and business owners on Birrell Street and the surrounding area were posted a notification letter of works commencement on 15 May 2023.

This project created 21 new parking spaces along Birrell and surrounding streets, improved bike routes, a new road surface, safer intersection treatments and minor improvements in stormwater drainage.

The works were done in conjunction with the road resheeting upgrades as part of the Road Infrastructure Renewal Program.

Council engaged Ally Civil to complete this upgrade.

Project background and consultation

Birrell Street is a major road in Waverley, connecting people to several community hubs in the east and beyond. It is well utilised by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians but after many years of use it has a number of aging, dated and failed infrastructure assets which need to be addressed.

In late 2022 Council gathered community feedback about improving road infrastructure and safety on Birrell Street for pedestrians and bike users. The consultation period was held from 16 November – 7 December 2022 using a mix of online and face-to-face engagement methods to gather feedback and suggestions.

The community consultation showed a preference for a separated uphill bike lane on Birrell St (between Newland Street and Henrietta Street) positioned between the kerb and parked cars, and a shared downhill mixed-use road for cars and bikes between Newland Street and Henrietta Street (Option 1).

In terms of the pedestrian refuge options, the community preferred the kerb extension and continuous crossing option on the Birrell Street intersection at Isabella and Stanley Streets (Option 1).

Community feedback also highlighted the need for preserving parking, introducing traffic calming measures, ensuring connectivity of bike lanes, and prioritising safety for pedestrians and bike riders. View the full consultation report.

All feedback was reviewed and the detailed design presented to the Waverley Traffic Committee in March 2023 and Council in April 2023.

Outcomes

The Birrell Street Renewal works included:

  • Intersection safety improvement
  • Installation of bike lanes and continuous footpaths
  • Upgraded pedestrian islands
  • Minor stormwater drainage improvements
  • Soft landscaping
  • Line marking