North Sydney is turning purple as our beautiful Jacaranda trees come into bloom across the area. To help manage the visitors in McDougall Street, Kirribilli, Council is implementing some temporary road closures.
From 31 October McDougall Street, between Clark Road and Willoughby Street and Hipwood Street, up to 50 metres from McDougall Street, will be closed each Saturday and Sunday between 7am and 7pm for approximately six weeks.
The closure will be manned by traffic controllers and vehicle access will only be provided to residents who live in the road closure area. Visitors who have visitor parking permits will not have access to the closure but can park in surrounding streets.
Taxis and other hire cars will not have access during the closure times unless they are being used by residents who live in the street.
All residents are asked to give way to pedestrians and slow down to 10km/h while the Jacarandas are flowering for the safety of pedestrians on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the road being closed and is this a Council event?
The temporary road closure is implemented to ensure pedestrian safety during periods of high visitation. While Council organises the road closures, this is not a formal Council-run event. Closures occur Saturdays and Sundays only, from 7 am to 7 pm, for a maximum of six weeks. The blooming season typically runs from mid-October through December.
Are the temporary road closures linked to the trees blooming?
No. Closures are based on crowd size, not the blooming of trees.
They usually coincide with full bloom due to increased visitor numbers.
Closures require at least one week’s notice for Traffic Control staff to be arranged.
Why and how are the temporary road closures implemented?
- Dates: From 31 October
- Times: 7am to 7pm
- Location: The temporary closures will apply to:
- McDougall Street, between Clark Road and Willoughby Street; and
- Hipwood Street, up to 50 metres from McDougall Street.
- Safety Measures: Barriers and Traffic Controllers are positioned at intersections
- Legal Approval: Closures are approved under the Roads Act 1993 and the Transport for NSW delegation to Council.
- Implementation: Accredited Traffic Controllers follow an approved Traffic Guidance Scheme.
Can cars access McDougall Street during the temporary road closure?
- Only residents within the closure area may drive into and our of the street.
- They must show photo ID confirming their address.
- Residents should give way to pedestrians and drive with extra caution.
I live on Hipwood Street or Bradly Avenue. Can I enter the temporary road closure?
Yes, but only:
- Via Clark Road, under guidance of a Traffic Controller.
- For returning home only, due to the one-way system on Hipwood Street.
Important:
- Avoid parking within the closure.
- Use detour routes when leaving, guided by Traffic Controllers.
Are visitor parking permits allowed within the temporary road closure?
No. Visitor permits cannot be used within the closure area. They are still valid in surrounding streets outside the closure.
What about Mobility Parking Permit holders?
Yes, access is allowed if:
- The permit holder is in the vehicle.
- The state-issued permit is displayed.
Permit holders may park within the area but must drive with extra care.
Can a Taxi/Uber access the temporary road closure?
Only if:
- The resident is in the vehicle at the time of entry.
- The resident shows photo ID confirming their address on McDougall Street, Hipwood Street or Bradly Avenue.
Note: Residents must exit the closure area to be picked up.
I am renting an Airbnb for the weekend. Can I access the closure?
No. Short-term rental guests, including Airbnb, do not qualify for vehicle access during closure hours. Access is only possible outside closure hours (before 7 am and after 7 pm), as photo ID with a local address is required.
Contact details:
0426 515 896
