Use changes in vegetation of an appropriate scale and contrast with surroundings to convey the existence of a looming decision point or other change in environment. Highlight approaches to settlements, intersections, interchanges and other significant events along the corridor through changes in perceived width, planting and cross-section.
Benefits
- Contributes to local landscape character and creation of identity through appropriate choice of elements which have meaning to the area
- Contributes to a memorable journey
- Assists with wayfinding
- Assists safety by highlighting a change in environment at an advanced distance
Considerations
- If not durable or adequately maintained, physical elements may become a detractor rather than a positive element
Reference
TfNSW Guide
TS 01592 Beyond the Pavement
Further information
The extent that this solution is applied should be tailored to the context. The Narrandera example below is at a threshold announcing a change of environment without any other decisions needing to be made by road users. At Blaxland in the Blue Mountains, the distinct lighting and palm tree arrangement extends ahead of the village itself, to provide sufficient time for drivers to be able to choose to stop if they so wish.
As an older example the Hume Highway/Federal Highway Interchange below would require the trees to be set back further or a barrier installed if being proposed today.
Examples
The Yarra Interchange at the junction of the Hume and Federal Highways is distinctive, reinforcing the decision point between Sydney and Canberra. Several rows of upright poplars are arranged in avenues, with the arrangement starting well ahead of the interchange and continuing through it. The poplars have a scale appropriate to the corridor, and being deciduous add year-round interest.
Location:
Hume Highway/Federal Highway Interchange, Yarra additional location
Agency responsible:
TfNSW
Approaching Narrandera on the Newell Highway, an avenue of plane trees is characterised by dense foliage and touching crowns, creating a distinctive ‘tunnel’ effect which helps to reinforce a change in speed limit as you approach or depart town. The distance between tree trunks and travel lanes makes it feel uncomfortable for drivers to travel fast here.
Location:
Newell Highway, Narrandera near Barellan Road
Agency responsible:
TfNSW
Application
| Local streets | Main streets | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential lane |  | Destination high street |  |
| Residential way | | Transit street | |
| Yield street | | Connector avenue | |
| Neighbourhood street | | Arterial high street | |
| Connector street | | Transit arterial | |
| Urban centre street | | ||
| Enterprise street | | ||
| Main roads | Civic spaces | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit only corridor | | Civic high street | |
| Rural link | | Transit mall | |
| Rural highway | | Civic lane | |
| Secondary arterial | | Service lane | |
| Principal arterial | | ||
| Motorway | | ||
Legend
| Appropriate treatment |
 | Use with caution |
 | Inappropriate treatment |
| Not applicable |