SHORTLAND'S town centre is set to become safer for pedestrians and cyclists with Newcastle council planning a suite of works in the area.
The council endorsed a public domain and traffic plan the area at its ordinary meeting this week.
It outlines planned changes including a new pedestrian refuge and reduced driver speeds via the installation of road cushions and implementation of a 40 km/h High Pedestrian Activity Area.
Heavy vehicle traffic will also be reduced in the area.
Vehicles weighing over 10 tonnes will be redirected to the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.
Buses and heavy vehicles with business destinations within Shortland suburb will be unaffected.
"We heard [from the community] that pedestrian safety at Sandgate Road was a significant concern," lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
"These upgrades are designed to address the community's concerns and also improve the experience for shoppers and visitors with new footpaths and street furniture."
Work will commence in the coming months.
