People form the giant figures '350' with umbrellas on the steps of the opera house in Sydney, Australia, in an event last Oct. 24 to raise awareness about climate change. The forecourt is also used by delivery vehicles, which can be hazardous to pedestrians. People form the giant figures '350' with umbrellas on the steps of the opera house in Sydney, Australia, in an event last Oct. 24 to raise awareness about climate change. The forecourt is also used by delivery vehicles, which can be hazardous to pedestrians. (Rob Griffith/Associated Press)

The New South Wales government has called for bids for a project to improve pedestrian safety in the area around the Sydney Opera House.

There is an accident almost every day at the venue, which is visited by 7.4 million people annually.

Many accidents involve tourists being hit by vehicles in the building's forecourt. More than 1,000 vehicles a week pass over the forecourt, which is a popular spot for pictures of Australia's most iconic building and of the Sydney harbour, and a venue for outdoor concerts.

The safety improvements are part of a previously announced $132-million upgrade that will include a new tunnel to carry delivery vehicles to a new underground loading dock, as well as elevators to carry sets, food and other materials to the correct level.

A storm-water drain is also to be diverted.

"We are improving visitor and worker safety and offering a revitalized visitor experience of Joern Utzon's 20th century architectural masterpiece, befitting its status as a world heritage listed icon," said Linda Burney, acting arts minister for the state of New South Wales.

She said the project is the largest on the site since the opera house, with its distinctive sail-shaped roofs, opened in 1973.

Work is due to begin in early 2011 and finish by 2013. The Sydney Opera House will remain open.

With files from the Australian Broadcasting Corp.