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[13 November 2009]
Main Roads recently launched its own Twitter page to provide timely information about incidents and events affecting the main road network, in the greater Perth area.
The publicly available service can be found at www.twitter.com/perth_traffic and has an RSS Feed facility available from the page.
The “Perth_Traffic” account has been established as a trial in an ongoing initiative to improve access to relevant road information to the public. The trial will run for a three month period, at which time it will be evaluated and a decision made on the future of Twitter as an effective communication tool to the public.
We therefore strongly encourage your feedback via our online feedback form or by email at enquiries@mainroads.wa.gov.au.
[13 November 2009]
Perth's best known traffic landmark, the Narrows Bridge, turned 50 today.
Transport Minister Simon O'Brien was among a small gathering of people on the South Perth foreshore to mark the occasion. The group included the Western Australian Governor Dr Ken Michael, a former Main Roads WA Commissioner who worked on the Narrows Bridge construction project as a cadet engineer.
"The Narrows Bridge is more than a connection for people north and south of the Swan River, it is a major distributor point for traffic going into the Perth CBD, to the eastern suburbs via the Graham Farmer Freeway and to the western suburbs," Mr O'Brien said.
"Hence, it is the busiest piece of road in Western Australia, carrying more than 179,000 vehicles per day.
"The need for a crossing of the Swan River at South Perth identified by the colony as early as 1849, to improve travel between Perth and Fremantle and as an alternative to the longer road connection via the East Perth Causeway bridges.
"By 1954, traffic flow over the causeway had more than doubled in the five preceding years. By 1956 a design and location for the bridge was decided by government and construction began in August, 1957. Work was completed just over two years later on November 13, 1959."
The steel and concrete bridge cost £1.7m ($3.4m) and measures 1100 ft (335 m) with a 320 ft (97.5 m) central span. Construction involved designers and bridge contractors from Denmark and England in association with J O Clough and Son of Perth, now Clough Engineering.
"By 1998, the bridge was carrying over 155,000 vehicles per day, making it the busiest piece of freeway in Australia," Mr O'Brien said.
"The Richard Court Government allocated $70m to duplicate the bridge, increasing traffic lanes from seven to ten with dedicated bus lanes. The second Narrows Bridge opened in February, 2001 and the bus lanes were replaced with passenger rail in 2007 as part of the Perth to Mandurah rail project."
Also acknowledging the occasion was the Commissioner of Main Roads and Acting Director General of Transport, Menno Henneveld and the Acting Commissioner of Main Roads, Des Snook.
For the full media release from Transport Minister Simon O'Brien, please visit http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=132773.
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[2 November 2009]
Main Roads welcomed input from community and business representatives in identifying potential concerns regarding stage two of the Dampier Highway duplication last week.
The Dampier Highway Duplication Community Reference Group (CRG) met in Karratha with both local and Perth-based Main Roads staff and were instrumental in providing local input into the highway design.
Project Director Brian Norris said the project followed on from Stage 1A and 1B, and would involve design and construction of 12.3 km of a dual carriageway highway from Balmoral Road West to Burrup Road incorporating cycle lanes on both directions, as well as intersections along the way.
“The project involves several intersections, a new bridge at Seven Mile Creek, strengthening work and guardrail modifications at the existing bridge, minor improvements to pedestrian links and amenity and improvements to the existing two lanes of Dampier Highway, subject to funding,” Mr Norris said.
WA Police, Dampier and Karratha residents, Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce, local government, airport, Pilbara Development Commission and Burrup companies were represented on the CRG.
“The CRG was extremely helpful in providing input on current traffic conditions which will assist us in developing the right treatments at the various intersections and along the road,” Mr Norris said.
“They provided local knowledge on drainage and flooding issues, airport access requirements during construction, the need for traffic signals, lighting along the highway, emergency access and problems with accessing the highway at peak times.
“One of the key intersections is Dampier Highway/Burrup Road, and the CRG are providing input into assessing options for this area including realignment of Dampier Highway so that it continues straight into the Burrup Road.
“We were advised that motorists from side roads were extremely frustrated in trying to access the highway at peak times, and how traffic signals at possibly three intersections would alleviate the problems by providing a break in the traffic. Dampier residents were concerned that a stop sign at the realigned Burrup Road intersection would be the traffic control measure included in the project as part of the realigned Burrup Road intersection, but we believe traffic lights will provide them with a much safer and more efficient access.
“The CRG also advised that it considered that acceleration lanes near Dampier Salt essential for safety, and the local police indicated their support for reduced speed limits between Madigan Road and Rubbish Tip Road. We are also looking at using local contractors where possible during construction.”
The group will meet again prior to Christmas to further discuss the design and associated risks. Following this, a design will be finalized for presentation to the Dampier and Karratha communities for during a community consultation program to be conducted in the next few months.
For further information about the project please visit the Dampier Highway - Stage 2 page.
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[28 October 2009]
Businesses, community members and landowners are being invited to comment on a proposed reservation for the Geraldton North South Highway from Brand Highway to the North West Coastal Highway intersection.
Main Roads Manager Road Planning Lindsay Broadhurst said that consultation commenced this week and would continue until 20 November 2009.
This highway will provide an alternative, future north south regional road route for the Geraldton area, and aims to remove regional through traffic, particularly heavy vehicles, from the existing North West Coastal Highway and Brand Highway within the Geraldton city area.
Both the Brand Highway and North West Coastal Highway (NWCH) carry a mixture of light and heavy vehicles, and there are various residential and commercial activities along these routes. There is increasing conflict between regional and local traffic that is resulting in reduced safety, amenity and efficiency, making the road less suitable for heavy vehicles.
The southern section of the route between Brand Highway and Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor (currently under construction) will provide a high standard link to the Geraldton Port, Narngulu Industrial Area and the proposed outer Narngulu – Oakajee Infrastructure Corridor.
The planning process has included input from the City of Geraldton-Greenough, the Mid West Development Commission, the Department of Planning, Department of Environment and the Main Roads Mid West Region.
“There is no funding to build the highway at this stage – we are in the planning phase to define the reservation for the future highway,” Mr Broadhurst said.
The highway will be a four lane divided highway with a central median, with provision for pedestrian and cycling facilities, and a mixture of grade separated interchanges and at grade intersections with most existing side road connections. The highway is planned to have no direct frontage property access and limited side road access, which is a critical safety requirement.
Residents and businesses located near the reservation area will receive a brochure containing a comment sheet that is being sent through a local delivery service to all properties and businesses. Landowners affected by the reservation have received letters and a brochure, including an invitation to discuss the project with Main Roads staff.
“It is critical to remember that this is a planning study, so people need to understand that there are no immediate plans to construct the road. The aim is to set aside a road reservation in the local planning scheme for the future.”
For further information about the project please refer to the Geraldton North South Highway Alignment project page.
Perth hosts the ITU Long Distance World Triathlon Championships
[20 October 2009]
We would like to advise that several road closures will in place between 22 and 25 October to accommodate this years ITU Long Distance World Triathlon Championships.
In order for the event to be conducted in a safe manner, there will be a number of road closures in place. For a listing of these road closures please visit the Metro Works & Events page.
It is anticipated that this course will not significantly impede access to the City centre, with access points remaining open for all traffic north and south of the river.
Southbound Freeway traffic will be redirected to the Graham Farmer Freeway and Canning Highway for the duration of the closure, and our Variable Message Signs will be used as part of the traffic management for this event.
The event has around 1100 competitors participating from 20 different countries around the world and is predicted to attract around 5000 spectators.
For further information about the event please visit www.ldworlds.org.au.
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New highway will cut travel time for South West Travellers
[23 September 2009]
South West travellers will be able to use the new Kwinana Freeway extension and Forrest Highway this long weekend. The freeway extension and highway, which officially opened to traffic last Sunday, is expected to reduce the travel time from Perth to Bunbury by 30 minutes.
The new Forrest highway extends from the Kwinana Freeway extension in South Yunderup, around the eastern side of the Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary joining the existing dual carriageway on the Old Coast Road near Lake Clifton.
The newly constructed 70.5 km of dual carriageway linking Perth and the South West, will bypass the heavily populated areas of Mandurah and Dawesville.
Road users intending to travel south are reminded of the following changes on the new highway:
- The 100 km/h speed limit continues from Safety Bay Road through to just south of Lakes Road. A 110 km/h speed limit then applies through to and including Forrest Highway and Old Coast Road;
- Six interchanges connecting to existing roads to provide safe access to Safety Bay Road, Karnup Road, Paganoni Road, Lymon Road, Lakes Road and Pinjarra Road.
For information about all access points to the new road, please view the:
- Eight rest areas have been provided on Forrest Highway, four in each direction. Toilet facilities have been provided at the rest areas located at Dorset Road. We have developed a Map of Roadside Facility Locations (1 page PDF 947 KB) to assist you on your journey.
- Driver Reviver services (including free tea, coffee and biscuits) will be in operation across the long weekend at the Dorsett Road Rest Area which is approximately 100 km from Perth.
Operated by Main Roads WA, Waroona SES and Roadwise, Driver Reviver will be in operation during the following times:
- Friday: 4.00 pm to 11.00 pm;
- Saturday: 7.00 am to 6.00 pm; and
- Monday: 7.00 am - 6.00 pm;
- Variable Message Signs installed on the new highway enabling the Traffic Operations Centre to alert motorists to delays caused by incidents or roadworks and to promote safety messages.
- 32 km of principal shared path for pedestrians and cyclists including underpasses at Safety Bay Road, Karnup Road, Paganoni Road, Lakes Road and Pinjarra Road; and
- 14 newly installed closed circuit cameras. Main Roads Traffic Operations Centre will be able to monitor traffic conditions on the new highway with the assistance of these newly installed cameras, together with aerial surveillance on Friday and Monday afternoons over the long weekend.
A reminder Double Demerits apply from midnight Thursday 24 September until midnight on Monday 28 September.
[9 September 2009]
To commemorate the historic opening of the new road, an official ceremony will be held at the Pinjarra Road interchange between 10.00 am and 12.00pm, prior to the opening to traffic later in the day.
The event will include family activities, such as face painting, petting zoo and rides. On the day, you can also participate in a community bike ride on the length of the 32 km extension between Safety Bay Road and Pinjarra Road.
Free shuttles will be provided to the event from the Mandurah Train Station, Pinjarra Junction shopping complex and the Baldivis Stockland complex for those travelling from Perth. (Please be aware that no onsite parking will be available).
So come, join the fun and help celebrate the opening of the largest ever infrastructure project in WA's history.
To register or for further information about the bike ride please visit the Cyclo Sportif website at http://www.cyclosportif.com.au/highway-bike-ride.htm.
For further information about the event please view our Opening Celebration - Kwinana Freeway Extension and Forrest Highway information sheet (1 page PDF 252 KB).
[27 August 2009]
Motorists travelling on the Freeways, South Street and around the Northbridge Tunnel will now see road safety messages displayed regularly on Main Roads’ Variable Message Signs (VMS’s).
In a new initiative developed by Main Roads, 23 fixed Variable Message Signs across the metropolitan area, are now used to display messages aimed at increasing driver awareness and promoting the principles of road safety.
Main Roads together with the Office of Road Safety and The Western Australia Police have combined their efforts to identify over 30 different key messages that address some of the major road safety issues such as speed, fatigue and seat belts.
Messages such as ‘Seat Belts Save Lives’, ‘Maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front’ and ‘Drivers look twice for motorbikes’ are just some of those that will be rotating weekly.
Craig Wooldridge, Manager of Traffic Operations and Services at Main Roads, said that he was extremely pleased with the feedback received so far from the initiative.
“We have already received a large number of positive and supportive responses from the public through our Customer Contact Centre since starting this initiative. This reflects that road users are taking notice of the messages out there.
“In developing this initiative we concluded that it would be most effective if messages were displayed from Friday through to Sunday in order to stay fresh in people minds over the weekend,” said Craig.
Main Roads’ welcomes all feedback on this new initiative, by contacting us on 138 138 or through our feedback form.
[9 July 2009]
As part of an ongoing review, we are changing the way we advise you of current road works, events, road closures and speed zoning changes to make it more interactive and helpful for you to find the information you are looking for.
The Roadworks Bulletin, which used to appear each week in the Sunday Times will now be provided through the Main Roads WA website with updates posted on a weekly basis. This change will also see the incorporation of any speed zoning changes across the metropolitan area.
We are currently working on several new innovative and cost effective ways in providing you with information on road works, events, road closures and speed zoning changes, which we hope to be functional by the end of 2009.
You can find these updates at the Roadworks & Road Closures page. We hope you find these updates easily accessible and welcome any comments or feedback on via our Complaints & Feedback form or on 138 138.
[9 June 2009]
A Community Reference Group (CRG) will be set up to assist Main Roads WA in the design of stage two of the Dampier Highway duplication.
Project Director Brian Norris said the works would follow on from Stage 1A and 1B, and involved design and construction of 12.3 km of a dual carriageway highway from Balmoral Road West to Burrup Road, and intersections along the way.
“One of the key intersections is Dampier Highway/Burrup Road, and we would like the CRG to have input into assessing options for this area. Dampier residents in particular may be interested in nominating for the group,” Mr Norris said.
“The project will also involve several intersections, a new bridge at Seven Mile Creek, strengthening work and guardrail modifications at the existing bridge, minor improvements to pedestrian links and amenity and improvements to the existing two lanes of Dampier Highway, subject to funding.”
Representatives of businesses, community groups and representative local residents in the Dampier and Karratha areas are invited to nominate for the CRG. Other stakeholders to be involved include Karratha Airport, a representative from Burrup companies, and the Shire.
The CRG will provide an opportunity for local community input into the project, which will then be presented to the Dampier and Karratha communities for consideration during a community consultation program to be conducted in the next few months.
Participation in the CRG will be voluntary and meetings will probably be held at date and time to suit participants. It is expected that the CRG will meet at project milestones, with the first meeting to be held in June 2009.
To receive a copy of the CRG guidelines, please contact Main Roads’ Community Relations Consultant Carolyn Walker by either:
Phone: (08) 9450 1445
Fax: (08) 9450 1261
Post: PO Box 178 Como 6952
Email: icwalker@vianet.net.au
For information about the current status of Stage 1A and 1B of the project please visit our Dampier Highway Stage 1B project page.
[17 April 2009]
The Premier has announced the creation of the new Department of Transport and the new Department of Planning from the restructuring of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.
To find out more, please view the New Department of Transport Newsletter (2 page PDF 47 KB)
Heavy Vehicle Operations office has relocated
[19 January 2009]
Heavy Vehicles Operations has relocated to their new premises at 70 Pilbara Street, Welshpool (separate from Main Roads Materials Engineering Branch). Please note that our postal address, fax numbers and phone numbers will remain the same.
Normal business hours resumed 8.30 am, Tuesday 6 January 2009.
[15 December 2008]
A temporary speed limit reduction will be introduced along Orrong Road at the Pilbara Street intersection from 22 December 2008.
The speed reduction, from 70 km/h to 60 km/h, will be in place 300 m on the approach side to the Pilbara Street intersection and 100 m on the departure side of the intersection, until improvement works, including the installation of traffic signals at the Orrong Road / Pilbara Street intersection, are completed.
Complementing the speed reduction will be new larger intersection warning signs. The signage is aimed at raising driver attention to take care when approaching the intersection.
Main Roads spokesman Dean Roberts said the speed reduction was a temporary measure to improve safety for motorists until the complete redesign of the intersection is completed in early 2010.
“There has been one fatality here and we are more than aware of the potential danger of right-hand turns through this intersection,” Mr Roberts said.
“In fact we did look at the possibility of banning right-hand turns, but decided against it because it could worsen the situation by creating further frustrations with motorists, particularly in peak hour congestion, and a situation where some might try and ‘run the gauntlet’.
“We just urge motorists using the intersection to obey the new, lower speed limit, and be a bit more cautious and aware.”
Mr Roberts said there were unavoidable delays in starting and completing the $1.5m State Black Spot project to provide a fully signalised intersection at Orrong and Pilbara Streets.
The works involve widening in Pilbara Street to accommodate two exiting lanes. To widen the road, services such as high voltage power lines, gas and water pipes and optic fibre phone lines, need to be relocated.
“Main Roads is actively working with the service authorities to ensure that the services are relocated as quickly as possible,” Mr Roberts said.
“However, relocation works require design plans and the supply of materials and labour, which take a number of months to complete.
“It is expected that relocation works will be completed in the middle of 2009, enabling the road works to start in the spring of 2009 with completion scheduled for February, 2010.”.
Apart from road safety improvements, the new intersection should also result a greater level of connectivity for local businesses.
Future Integrated Services Delivery
The new arrangements for the provision of integrated asset management, network operations and road maintenance services will ensure the provision of these road management services after existing contracts expire. Find out more under Contracts > TNC Replacement.
Driver Speed Behaviours on the Western Australian Road Network
View or download our report on a series of surveys that measured changes in driver speed behaviours over time.
Drive Safely in 2009
Get the latest safety tips and penalty information from the Office of Road Safety and the Police Traffic website.