Students, families and staff at Avoca State School now have safer access thanks to new infrastructure upgrades, including new pathways and parking, along Twyford Street.
The project, identified through community feedback, addressed several accessibility and safety concerns.
The improvements include safer and disability-compliant infrastructure, better pedestrian connectivity and safer bus stop and parking arrangements.
Bundaberg Regional Council Roads and Infrastructure (urban) portfolio spokesperson Cr Larine Statham-Blair said the upgrades were an important step in ensuring safe school travel.
“We listened to the concerns raised by the school, local residents and Transport and Main Roads and took action to make Twyford Street safer for everyone,” she said.
“These upgrades will have a positive impact on families coming to the school, especially those who rely on accessible infrastructure or school buses.”
Key works completed include:
- Removal of non-wheelchair accessible pedestrian crossing and the installation of safer and compliant infrastructure.
- Construction of a 1.8-metre-wide concrete pathway on Twyford Street to connect existing car parking to the school crossing.
- Relocation and adjustment of car parking and bus stop locations to support a new pedestrian crossing.
- Updated school crossing including signage, line marking and barber poles.
- Widening of existing pathways and kerb lines to improve access for everyone.
Avoca State School principal Jeff Morely said the works were welcomed by the whole school community.
“Children and families are now able to access the footpath properly, the parking situation has improved greatly and the crossing work means our students and crossing guards can feel even more secure,” he said.
“I think the whole project lends itself for future improvements along Twyford Street, which will be fantastic for everyone in the area.”
Council received $68,200 in funding through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) Safe School Travel (SafeST) initiative, administered by the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Roads Group, for the project.
