Advocacy: Blind Corner Safety Concerns Raised Beside Commonwealth Avenue Bridge
Pedal Power has yet again raised urgent safety concerns following reports of multiple head-on bicycle collisions at a blind corner beneath Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, as a number of major ongoing infrastructure works continue to reshape cycling routes through the city.
We have contacted project teams this week after two separate collisions were reported at a temporary traffic management location near Barrine Drive and the waterside shared path. One rider is reportedly receiving treatment for a head injury.
The concern centres on a blind corner created where southbound riders are diverted off Barrine Drive onto the waterside path, while northbound riders continue straight towards the city. Riders approaching from opposite directions can reportedly enter the corner at significantly different speeds with limited sight lines.
One image provided to authorities shows the location where riders travelling south are directed off the two-way Barrine Drive route onto the waterside path near Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. The location can be viewed here.
This is where the collision happened. A second image, taken roughly 15 metres further west at the waterside path intersection, illustrates the blind corner where opposing riders can unexpectedly meet with very limited visibility. That location can be viewed here.
Northbound riders travelling towards the city can easily approach the corner at 18–25 km/h due to the relatively straight alignment of the path, while southbound riders are simultaneously negotiating the detour turn onto the waterfront path.
We’ve suggested that one possible mitigation is to redirect southbound riders earlier off Barrine Drive at a location with improved sightlines, as shown here, while acknowledging that the final risk management response rests with the project authorities.
Following Pedal Power’s correspondence, the National Capital Authority confirmed the issue had been escalated to contractors for immediate review, with short-term safety measures to be implemented before the weekend while longer-term options are prepared, noting that the detour arrangement is expected to remain in place for the next 12–18 months.
The concerns come as further traffic changes are scheduled for Commonwealth Avenue from 8 pm Friday, 15 May to 5 am Monday, 18 May as part of Light Rail Stage 2A works. The works will involve a full northbound closure between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle, with additional lane reductions in both directions.
For active travellers heading to and from the city during the works, project teams recommend using either the New Acton bridge over Parkes Way or the bridge near Anzac Park East and Constitution Avenue.
Pedal Power encourages riders travelling through the area to slow down near temporary detours and blind corners, remain alert for riders approaching in the opposite direction, and take extra care navigating altered traffic conditions during the ongoing construction period.
