One of the Capital Country schools with an entrance off Firethorn Place, which is being given a makeover in early 2026. Photo: Google Maps/Screenshot.
Travel to a Capital Country school is set to look different soon, as the local council starts work to improve pedestrian and student safety.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) is starting work this week on new infrastructure projects along Firethorn Place.
Jerrabomberra Public School has an entrance along the street.
The school’s P&C Association president Kier Bailey said the area was known for congestion, especially during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups.
“The challenge really is making sure that Firethorn is as safe as possible for students to cross … particularly when there’s a significant amount of traffic that goes through to the residential area at the end of Firethorn,” Mr Bailey told Region.
“[It’s important] the students and the vehicles are appropriately deconflicted, so that cars can move freely [and can access their homes] but students are able to cross safely.”
The works mean the existing crossing on Firethorn Place will be moved closer to the school’s gates.
Meanwhile, a three-metre-wide shared path (about 140 metres long) will be built and a new wombat crossing installed.
The area will also have new street lighting and pedestrian safety fencing.
Mr Bailey said the changes were expected to help manage traffic flows around the school during the morning and afternoon peaks.
“It’s something that some people who have been on the P&C Association Committee for many years have been advocating for, so it’s been very well received.”
The construction works are expected to take most of January, before students return in February. Image: Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.
The project’s page on the council’s website says the decision to move ahead with the works was made after consultation with NSW Police, Transport for NSW, and a local traffic committee.
“These improvements aim to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly students travelling to and from nearby schools,” it states.
QPRC also acknowledges that the opening of Jerrabomberra High School (which currently has capacity for about 500 students) put further pressure on both Firethorn Place and the adjacent Coachwood Avenue. (Early work on an expansion to double the high school’s capacity started last year, with an expectation it would open in time for the first school day of 2027.)
For Mr Bailey, the changes will contribute to student safety around both schools.
“All of it contributes to making sure that the student can move about safely,” he said.
“I know there’s a good couple of families that have kids at both the public and high schools … [If they could] move across Firethorn in a safe way, that would definitely impact the wellbeing of the students for JHS.”
In a notice to nearby residents and businesses, QPRC warned of potential traffic delays during the infrastructure construction period.
It also flagged partial lane closures along Firethorn Place so the wombat crossing can be installed, while temporary traffic signals will be placed at the Coachwood Avenue-Firethorn Place intersection during the construction works.
Coachwood Avenue will also be subject to traffic control as linemarking works are carried out.
“These temporary measures are necessary to safely construct the raised pedestrian crossing and associated works,” the information sheet says.
“Motorists are requested to follow all traffic signage and directions.”
An existing pedestrian crossing will also be briefly closed and a ramp installed at the Firethorn Place crossing for accessibility.
The project has a value of $379,950 and is being funded by Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program, according to the council’s website.
Construction of the new infrastructure is expected to be completed by 31 January, with the works taking place between 7 am and 6 pm (Monday to Friday).
