Sydney Council resolved in February to upgrade and widen the high traffic southern side of Abercrombie Street and, after lobbying from residents, to look at the broader area. Council has concluded that the electricity undergrounding cannot easily be staged so the upgrade will be expanded to cover both sides of Abercrombie Street.
The work already approved includes widening and paving the footpath between Ivy Lane and Shepherd Street on the southern side along with the inclusion of sandstone curbing, seats and plantings. The flooding of the footpath near the corner of Ivy Street is also to be addressed. Raised crossings are proposed at Ivy and Shepherd Lane so pedestrian movements happen on the level across roads. It is not clear if these give pedestrians or cars right of way.
Unless a flush alternative is found, electrical undergrounding by Ausgrid will be like King Street Newtown where green junction boxes sit on the footpath every 3-4 properties. Lawson Street was undergrounded many years ago without above ground junctions.
Council expects to come back to the Darlington community in September for consultation about the expanded proposals.
