A POTENTIALLY dangerous pedestrian crossing on Bells Line of Road, mostly used by Colo High School students, will be ‘urgently’ looked at by Roads and Maritime Services.
Since late last year, a section of footpath leading up Bells Line of Road towards Colo High School has been blocked as a new service station is constructed.
The blockage has forced ‘three to four hundred’ students, who walk to school from North Richmond along Bells Line of Road every day, to cross the busy arterial road twice a day during peak hour traffic.
Colo High School’s P&C president Peter Chia contacted The Gazette and said neither Hawkesbury Council nor the RMS had listened to his grievances.
However, after questions were put to the RMS, the organisation has confirmed it is looking into the crossing.
“Due to safety concerns, Roads and Maritime Services is holding urgent discussions with the private developer after a temporary pedestrian crossing was installed on Bells Line of Road at North Richmond,” an RMS spokesperson said.
Mr Chia said many Colo High School students who lived in North Richmond, walked to and from school every day along Bells Line of Road.
Mr Chia estimated at least three to four hundred students per day walked to school from North Richmond.
With the construction site blocking the footpath, a sign urges pedestrians to use the crossing at the Grose Vale Road intersection.
However, heading into North Richmond, students have no option but to run the gauntlet and cross the road.
There are no markings for the crossing, and while there is a painted on pedestrian safe haven in the road, it offers no physical protection.
Hawkesbury Council and Colo High School have also been approached for comment.
