The State Government has been requested to upgrade the intersection of 12th and 15th Streets to improve pedestrian safety.
Local Member Tony Piccolo has asked the State Government to investigate whether pedestrian safety at the intersection could be improved through better lighting and the construction of pedestrian refuges. Mr Piccolo said the intersection was an important pedestrian link between the Gawler Train Station and the Gawler South and Gawler West residential areas. “The intersection has many traffic movements and there are minimal opportunities for pedestrians to seek refuge while trying to cross the street,” said Mr Piccolo. “Unfortunately pedestrians cross all over the place at and near the intersection, placing themselves at greater risk of injury due to the lack of a properly constructed dedicated crossing point.” “The lighting is minimal and during the winter months it is almost impossible to see pedestrians crossing the street. “Combined with traffic from the Overway Bridge zippying around the corner, it is recipe for a quite serious collision between a pedestrian and motor vehicle. Mr Piccolo said he understood that the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure are undertaking an assessment of the intersection to see what could be done to improve pedestrian safety. “While it is important for both motorists and pedestrians to exercise care and protect their own safety, some minor improvement could reduce the risks involved.” “The new pedestrian refuge on Murray Street near the Gawler central Railway station has improved safety and I would like to see something similar to that, constructed at the 12th/15th Street intersection. “I would be keen to hear from local residents about their experiences of the crossing, particularly those who use it to access the train station,” said Mr Piccolo.