It’s hoped a new signalised pedestrian crossing near the Burke Avenue intersection with Canberra Avenue will be completed within 12 months. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
UPDATE: 2:15 pm – It’s hoped a new signalised pedestrian crossing for students to cross Canberra Avenue will be completed within 12 months but extra approvals processes could get in the way.
The road is on National Capital Authority-designated land and so the ACT Government will need approval from the agency before any work can actually begin.
City and Government Services Minister Tara Cheyne has expressed her hope that the NCA will also fast-track any design application, and she will be speaking to the relevant Federal Minister once those appointments have been made.
“The funding is provisioned and ready to go, and I just hope that everyone who’s providing the approval takes the same approach and the same level of urgency,” she said.
“I can’t put a timeline on approvals, but I hope it will be quick.”
Ms Cheyne said a signalised pedestrian crossing was identified as the best safety choice from a feasibility study and Roads ACT advice.
She pointed to interim work in the area to improve safety, such as variable messaging boards placed outside the colleges in both directions and the increased presence of mobile speed vans in the area.
Ms Cheyne again ruled out reducing the speed limit to 40 km/h and explained why an overpass or bridge wasn’t the answer at this time.
“An underpass or an overpass would be exorbitantly expensive … in terms of the costs to government, and in terms of just how much land, would have to be taken up to be able to create that, it’s very hard to retrofit,” she said.
“It’s very clear that a signalised pedestrian crossing in the mid block between Burke Crescent and McMillan Street will have the biggest impact in terms of pedestrian safety, without compromising traffic movement overall.
“In my view, the safest thing that can occur is for traffic to come to a complete stop when students are trying to cross the road.”
Ms Cheyne met with injured boy Aaron and his father at St Edmund’s College today (12 May), as well as the brothers of Aiden, who is still in hospital but whose recovery is “going very well”.
Principal Tim Cleary expressed his gratitude that work was underway to improve safety out the front of his school.
In a letter to staff and parents, he highlighted the work of former principal Joe Zavone and St Clare’s College principal Dr Ann Cleary to secure a commitment to safety.
“Both were instrumental in initiating the original petition, and I’m pleased to be continuing the advocacy they began,” Mr Cleary wrote.
“We will keep you informed of any updates. In the meantime, we can be delighted that the crossing is a commitment from government and again we thank Minister Cheyne for her support.”
Mr Cleary also thanked Education Minister Yvette Berry, Senator David Pocock and independent Kurrajong MLA Thomas Emerson for their work in this area.
The new Canberra Avenue pedestrian crossing will be installed down from St Edmund’s College, where two students were hit by an allegedly stolen vehicle while crossing the road. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
12 May, 11:30 am – A new signalised pedestrian crossing has been promised on Canberra Avenue to improve safety for St Edmund’s and St Clare’s College students.
It comes six weeks after a crash saw two students, Aiden and Aaron, hit by an allegedly stolen vehicle while crossing the road on 28 March.
The midblock crossing will be installed near Burke Crescent.
City and Government Services Minister Tara Cheyne said the safety of students was a priority.
“This crossing will make a real difference for students who cross this busy road every day … we’re acting to ensure they can travel to and from school with greater confidence,” she said.
“The ACT Government will fast-track the design of the crossing to support seeking approvals and enable construction.
“More information will be provided to the local school community on timing in the next couple of months.”
Region understands the St Edmund’s community has been notified about the government’s promise.
There has been advocacy in the past to put a 40 km/h school zone along Canberra Avenue, but that remains unlikely.
The pedestrian crossing announcement coincides with National Road Safety Week.
Three people have been killed on ACT roads this year and 11 people lost their lives in 2024.
“I know that the incident in late March outside St Eddie’s has had and will continue to have a profound impact on this tight-knit community,” Ms Cheyne said.
“Every death or injury is a devastating reminder that road trauma has lasting impacts on families, friends, and the wider community. These are not just statistics – they are lives lost too soon, and futures cut short or dramatically altered.”
