Automated pedestrian crossings in NSW

The automation of pedestrian signal crossings remains active in the Sydney CBD and at key intersections in the immediate vicinity of key health precincts to help limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community.

The pedestrian signal crossings at activated sites are automated 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At selected temporary COVID-19 clinics, nearby pedestrian crossings are automated between the hours of 6am and 10pm daily, to closer align with the clinic’s daytime operating hours. The locations where pedestrian signal automation is in effect are listed below.

Pedestrians do not need to push the ‘call’ button at these activated sites as the pedestrian crossing phase has been programmed to be called automatically. This allows pedestrians to continue to cross the road safely while limiting contact with high-touch surfaces.

Transport for NSW has taken a targeted approach by implementing this public health measure where pedestrian activity for access to health services is high and it would be most effective in limiting the spread of Coronavirus. Transport for NSW has also worked closely with NSW Health to identify locations where the automation would be most effective in protecting those who are more vulnerable including essential frontline staff, as well as patients and members of the community visiting a hospital or clinic.

Any further expansion of the initiative would be limited to additional health precincts only, while also taking into consideration impacts on road safety, traffic and transport operations, including public transport and freight, and community amenity.

This initiative was first rolled out on Monday 23 March 2020 across the Sydney CBD and Pyrmont. The expansion into health precincts began on Saturday 28 March 2020 in Randwick at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital.

As of 8 August 2020, new-look and more durable semi-permanent plastic hard covers have been installed over the push buttons at activated sites to help pedestrians clearly identify where the automation is in effect.

Transport for NSW continues to work closely with NSW Health in monitoring and maintaining this targeted initiative and will continue to review the benefits of these measures while balancing the needs of the community.

Automated pedestrian signal crossings are active in the following locations and health precincts:

More information

• COVID-19: Travel advice