Avalon will recognise one of its oldest road surfaces, with the planned installation of a heritage sign at Telford Lane, a surviving Telford-style section of the original Barrenjoey Road.
Community Preservation Efforts
Local historians and long-term residents have consistently advocated for the protection of the exposed stones at Telford Lane, viewing it as an important physical link to Avalon’s early road network.
Their focus has been on ensuring that historic infrastructure is not lost through maintenance oversights, and preserving it visibly rather than only through archival records. The area has been quietly monitored by local heritage volunteers for years to prevent unintentional resurfacing or removal.
Current Infrastructure Activity
Sydney Water’s renewal works on Old Barrenjoey Road will pause for the summer trading period, with compounds removed around November, then resume from March 2026 and target completion by mid-2026.
Council is also progressing an off-road cycle track beside Careel Creek and the Avalon Shared Space design process, with community discussion flagged for 2026. The sign will identify and explain the historic road surface and help avoid accidental resurfacing.
Local Historical Significance
The section sits off Barrenjoey Road near North Avalon Road, on an earlier alignment that once crossed Careel Creek. The Telford construction method used compacted stone layers for drainage and durability. This stretch is one of the few remaining examples on the peninsula.
The sign will explain the road’s history and prevent any future sealing of the exposed stones.
Published 22-October-2025