Safe Active Street program is an active transport initiative run by the Department of Transport that creates a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities. The program achieves this by modifying the existing road space with the intent of reducing vehicle speeds to 30 km/h.
The City undertook community consultation with residents living on Helena Street and Market Street regarding the proposed Safe Active Street project in July 2023. The City incorporated the feedback into a concept design for Helena Street as an example of what a Safe Active Street may look like in Guildford.
The concept includes multiple options and we asked the community which of these they would like to see implemented on Helena Street and Market Street.
The exact project scheduling will depend on multiple factors including the availability of external funding, further design, and project planning. The City intends to deliver this project in the near future and will provide further updates as the project progresses.
Proposed options:
We sought feedback on two possible treatments for the road and intersections. The City has opportunities to incorporate a mixture of both options along the road.
The following diagrams are indicative only and are simplified to show a clearer picture of the proposed treatments. More detailed concept drawings are attached.
Straight road options:
The City proposes to install verge buildouts incorporating either landscaping or formalised street parking. Both options will narrow the road width, encouraging traffic to slow down to navigate the winding road and provide some opportunities for landscaping and tree planting.
- Landscape buildouts – Incorporating extensive opportunities for additional landscaping and/or tree planting opportunities but may limit both on-street and verge parking for residents.
- On-Street parking – Provide on-street parking to local residents with reduced opportunities for landscaping.
The following diagram is indicative only and is simplified to show a clearer picture of the proposed treatments.
Intersection options:
The City proposes to modify the intersections with treatments intended to encourage drivers to reduce vehicle speeds when approaching intersections. Feedback will be taken into account where possible, however, some options are constrained by existing drainage and resident access, limiting treatment options available.
- Raised platform/intersection – Provides a vertical deflection when approaching the intersection that encourages vehicles to slow down.
- Tightened radius intersection – Narrows the intersection which encourages turning vehicles to slow down but may have limited impacts on through traffic.
The following diagram is indicative only and is simplified to show a clearer picture of the proposed treatments.
Latest News
28/10/2025
The City is progressing planning for the Helena Street and Market Street Safe Active Street projects and recently finalised the detailed design for both streets. Based on the feedback received from the community, the City has incorporated a mixture of both road section and intersection treatments in the final design.
We have received a grant to undertake the construction of Helena Street (between Johnson Street and East Street) Safe Active Street from the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program and will commence the construction for this section starting in early 2026. A notification of works will be provided to the residents in the area closer to the construction date.
