Wombat Crossings - Melbourne Street
Project status
Construction
About the project
The City of Adelaide is delivering new raised pedestrian (wombat) crossings on Melbourne Street to improve safety, accessibility and movement for people walking along and across the street.
The crossings form part of broader streetscape improvements and align with earlier community feedback and the Melbourne Street Master Plan, which identified a need for safer pedestrian connections and a more walkable main street.
The Government of South Australia, through the National Road Safety Program, has provided a $600,000 contribution for the construction of wombat crossings at both the eastern and western ends of Melbourne Street.
What's being delivered
Two raised pedestrian (wombat) crossings on both ends of Melbourne Street located at the:
- Eastern end of Melbourne Street, near the Grand Apartments
- Western end near Ronald McDonald House
Wombat crossings are raised zebra crossings, typically built to the same level as the footpath, designed to slow traffic and make it easier and safer for people to cross.
What are we doing?
Melbourne Street is a key main street for North Adelaide, used by residents, businesses, visitors and people accessing nearby health services.
Previous engagement and planning identified:
- A need for improved pedestrian safety
- Better accessibility across the street
- Opportunities to support local businesses and street activity
These works aim to make Melbourne Street safer and more comfortable for everyone while supporting the street’s long-term revitalisation.
What we heard from the community
Community engagement was undertaken from 18 October to 15 November 2023, with feedback collected through an online survey and other channels.
Key themes
- Strong overall support for wombat crossings to improve pedestrian safety and access
- Strong support for the western crossing near Ronald McDonald House, particularly due to the needs of families, patients and staff
- General support for both crossings, with some preference for prioritising the western location
- Feedback from cyclists highlighting the need to consider bike safety and movement through the design
- Interest in broader improvements, including lower speed limits and enhanced streetscape
The community also recognised the potential for crossings to increase foot traffic and support local businesses.
How the crossings will improve the street
The new crossings will:
- Make it easier and safer for people to cross Melbourne Street
- Improve access for people with mobility needs, including families, older people and people with disability
- Encourage slower vehicle speeds
- Support a more active and connected main street environment
- Contribute to a more attractive streetscape with landscaping and upgrades
What's happening next
The project is now moving into construction.
As works approach, we will:
- Provide updates to directly impacted businesses and properties
- Share with the community the construction timing, access arrangements and what to expect
- Update this page with key milestones and project information
During construction
You may notice:
- Temporary changes to parking and access near the crossings
- Construction activity and some noise during working hours
- Signage, traffic management in place and temporary detours will be in place during construction, including temporary single lane traffic conditions in some areas. There may also be temporary changes to bus routes and bus stop locations.
For public transport updates, please contact:
[email protected] or visit Adelaide Metro disruptions and service updates.
We will work to minimise disruption and keep the community informed.