Southern Courier: Transport for NSW says design of light rail platforms is safe for pedestrians

The project design includes the platform being built in the middle with the light rail tracks constructed on the outside.

Mr Damianos, the Maroubra Central Precinct chairman, said the design was flawed and was an accident waiting to happen.

He predicted pedestrians in a hurry would run across road traffic and light rail tracks to get to the platform.

“That’s my concern,’’ Mr Damianos said. “How do you expect people to cross the road?

“There’s going to be increased pedestrian activity and people are human and they will still have a habit of running across the road.

“People will still make silly mistakes and accidents are going to happen.’’

Mr Damianos submitted his concerns to the NSW Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and Transport for NSW.

Transport for NSW told him they would educate pedestrians through advertising on how to safely cross the roads and tracks to the platform.

But Mr Damianos said a design change was needed.

“How many people have to die before they take it seriously?’’ he said.

A Transport NSW spokeswoman said the light rail platforms would comply is road and pedestrian safety requirements.

“The CBD and South East Light Rail has been designed with 20 stops along the 12 km route,’’ the spokeswoman said.

“The design of each stop is either side or centre platforms, depending on local constraints.

“Every stop and platform along the alignment will comply with all relevant road and pedestrian safety requirements and feature appropriate signage, wayfinding and traffic signalling.

“The UNSW Anzac Parade stop will feature signalised crossings at the southern end of the platform to provide safe access across Anzac Parade.

“An additional signalised crossing at the northern end of the platform is also being considered in consultation with Roads and Maritime Services.”

THE PROJECT

■The CBD and South East Light Rail project will cost $1.6 billion

■Work on the project is expected to commence in April 2015

■ It is expected to take five or six years to complete

■From mid-2015, the successful tenderer will also operate the Central to Lilyfield light rail line