The transport minister made a safety promise. Four days later, it was torn apart
An internal presentation shared on November 14 laid bare plans to remove or weaken at least 14 of the 33 featured upgrades for Sydney Park Junction, at the intersection of St Peters, Erskineville and Alexandria, despite then-transport minister Jo Haylen's office confirming on November 10 that the upgrades would go ahead as promised in 2021 after Transport for NSW's first attempt to slash upgrades in August.
The new tranche of documents, obtained by the Herald, reveal the latest proposed cuts to Sydney Park Junction, including the removal of a pedestrian and bicycle crossing once touted as a centrepiece of the upgrades. This would represent another broken promise for an inner-city community seeking safer active transport links.
An extended cycleway and new bus shelter are among the other upgrades on the chopping block, while plans for widened footpaths and raised pedestrian crossings have also been toppled as a proposal for increased car parking on Sydney Park Road is preferred.
Transport for NSW would not provide further project details when asked by the Herald, saying that investigations and designs for the junction, including active transport links promised in 2021, were not finalised and were subject to further consultation.
'Transport will work with the community and council to deliver outcomes that align with community expectations, and for the safety of all road users,' a spokesperson said.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who has played a key role in the installation of inner-city active transport links, said the state government 'can't turn its back' on the upgrades, originally due for completion in mid-2024.
'I share the community's real concerns about a significant reduction in scope in the most recent plans that Transport for NSW released and ongoing delays to the Sydney Park Junction project,' Moore said.
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