STEPS have been taken to improve safety at the Duke Street pedestrian crossing.
Roads and Maritime Services will upgrade the Rooty Hill crossing after nine-year-old Sameer Akhtar sustained head injuries and a broken collarbone at the crossing last November.
A spokeswoman said work started last month following a review of the crossing on Duke Street between Abraham Street and Woodstock Avenue.
An existing fence has been lowered to improve visibility and other works include upgraded line and lane markings, kerb faces around the median and adjusting bus zone signs on the western side of Duke Street to define a safe stopping area.
Residents said they have made a difference.
‘‘The fence is smaller so, hopefully, there’ll be no one hurt at the crossing from now on,’’ Tracy Ford said.
But it’s not enough for Mount Druitt MP Richard Amery, who remains on Roads Minister Duncan Gay’s case for flashing lights and a 40km/zone.
Mr Gay said it won’t happen because there is no access to nearby Australian Islamic College from Duke Street.
Mr Gay also said RMS would raise no objection to Blacktown Council banning a right-hand turn out of Blenheim Avenue into Duke Street.
‘‘Just because the school doesn’t face the street doesn’t mean a school zone isn’t justified,’’ Mr Amery said.
‘‘Duke Street/Woodstock Avenue is one of the busiest intersections in the area. It’s more justified than a few other school zones we already have. There’s a school zone on Jersey Road in Hebersham that’s 500 metres away from the school.’’
How can Duke Street be made safer?
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