Traffic reverts to two-way along Acacia Avenue

14 December 2022

Traffic flow along Acacia Avenue between Percy and Wood Streets in Warwick will revert back to two-way traffic conditions following a recent trial of one-way traffic arrangements.

The trial was initiated by a petition from local residents who were concerned by increased traffic congestion and safety along the narrow residential laneway after St Mary’s Primary School designated the road as the student drop-off and pick-up point to accommodate social distancing during COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.

Road safety advocate Councillor Andrew Gale said Council’s decision to restore traffic conditions was driven by safety considerations of road users and direct consultation with residents in the impacted area.

“The safety of road users and local residents has always been the driving force behind Council’s decision regarding the issues associated with increased traffic along Acacia Avenue,” Councillor Gale said.

“Local traffic has considerably reduced along the laneway since St Mary’s Primary School relocated to a new campus in December 2021 and with traffic levels returning to more acceptable and manageable levels, the road can safely revert to previous traffic conditions.

“Council’s decision has been guided by direct feedback from residents in the area and the decision was made based on the overwhelming sentiment of residents along the avenue.”

In June 2021, Council received a petition signed by each of the residents along the western frontage of Acacia Avenue at its Ordinary Meeting and reviewed traffic conditions.

Council voted in favour of the trial at its meeting on 14 July 2021 following consultation with the school and church.

Many of the current issues surrounding Acacia Avenue traffic flow stem from the history of the town’s laneways which were originally purposed for night soil lanes and designed as narrow.

Council would like to thank the community for its patience and cooperation during the trial period. Council staff are scheduling these works for implementation as soon as possible.