The pathway under the Brick Kiln Bridge, located near the crossing, has been remediated to allow for safe passage for local students and other users.
Meanwhile, investigations are still taking place on other measures which may be implemented to further improve safety.
It includes previously revealed proposals to re-model the pedestrian crossing, and the potential to include amber lights like those added to pedestrian crossings in the Deniliquin CBD.
As a state road, these additional measures will require input and approval from Transport for NSW.
Edward River Council’s acting infrastructure director Damien Burton said works have been completed to re-establish the pedestrian pathway network under the bridge.
Works included upgrades to existing footpaths, guard repairs and upgrades, signage and the provision of a new footpaths connecting Conroy St to Victoria St and the Brick Kiln Bridge pedestrian pathway to Conroy St.
Trip hazards have also been removed, handrails installed and new landscaping provided.
Signage to advise people of the option to utilise the alternative pathway under the bridge will also be installed soon.
“It is a safe route that does not involve traffic, and it is already being used extensively by children who attend Deniliquin North School,” Mr Burton said.
“It is an alternate pathway people can use while we continue discussions.
“We are still in negotiations with Transport for New South Wales on other measures for the north crossing, and members of the department were here recently to see for themselves.”
Mr Burton said while the underpass upgrades have been on council’s radar for some time, all the work has been completed since north Deniliquin resident Michelle George approached the Pastoral Times to discuss her own experiences with the “nightmare crossing” in May.
Having only relocated to north Deni from another part of town, she said she had almost been hit by vehicles while using the designated crossing on a number of occasions.
She feared for other users of the crossing, particularly families and children making their way to the nearby school.
Mr Burton said while those discussions on the north crossing continue, council is pushing ahead with making other crossings throughout Deniliquin safer.
He said the amber lights which were implemented at the two Cressy St pedestrian crossings recently would be rolled out to other crossings in our community.
“It’s a council safety initiative and will be expanded out to all crossings on council roads as funding for more amber lights becomes available,” he said.
“For now that does not include the north Deniliquin crossing, because it is a state road, but there are more discussions to be had on that.
“We also have some programs looking at traffic control and speeds that we’re working on as well.”
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