Plans for a new road connection in Erskineville are progressing as part of the Ashmore precinct development, with community feedback and discussion underway.
The project, however, is drawing pushback, with some people warning it could increase local traffic while others say the link is needed to support access for those who travel by car.
The dispute centres on a proposed extension of Macdonald Street to Mitchell Road as part of the wider Ashmore precinct redevelopment, a project planned to convert former industrial land into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, services and public space.
Growing Community Concern
Community campaigners and local residents say the proposed road would increase vehicle traffic through residential streets in Erskineville and nearby areas, including Newtown. A petition promoted through an Action Network community campaign argues that the connection could become a new cut-through for drivers, increasing noise and pollution and creating safety concerns for people walking and riding locally.
The same campaign materials state that the road is not needed for local property access and call for the space to be used more community-focused, including a public square.
Supporters have used related online updates, including a Change.org update, to direct residents to the campaign and keep attention on traffic and safety issues in the precinct.
City Says Road Supports Access, Not a Cut-Through
The City of Sydney says the Macdonald Street extension is an important part of the Ashmore precinct plan and is intended to improve access for residents and visitors traveling by car. On its project information page, the City states that the extension is designed as a low-speed street with traffic-calming features intended to discourage through-traffic.
Council records also show that the issue has been formally discussed. A review item reflects the City’s position that access is needed for the precinct, while design features are intended to reduce the chance of the street becoming a rat run.
A Long-Running Redevelopment Plan
The Ashmore precinct plan has been built up over many years through infrastructure planning and staged works. A City document titled Project Scope – MacDonald Street Widening and Trunk Drainage Project shows earlier planning for street and drainage works connected to changes in the area.
The redevelopment also includes walking and cycling links intended to connect streets around the precinct. Community information published in the Erskineville community planning FAQs states that Macdonald Street will be extended to Mitchell Road and that the Kooka Walk shared path is planned to connect to the area as part of the broader network.
As work continues, both supporters and critics are focused on how traffic behaves once the connection is in place, and whether design measures reduce cut-through traffic while still allowing practical access for people who need it.
Published 18-Feb-2026
