Roundabout to improve safety

The project will cost $450,000 to construct, with two-thirds of that funding provided through the State Government’s black spot program.

In a letter to residents, the City said the roundabout would improve safety by lowering speeds and would provide gaps in the flow of traffic for right-hand turns.

But not everyone is impressed because the change will mean Prout Way residents will no longer be able to turn right onto Bibra Drive from their street or right from from Bibra Drive into Prout Way.

Motorists will now be required to make a U-turn at the roundabout or use nearby Fantail Drive.

City of Cockburn Acting Chief Executive Don Green said limiting travel speed was necessary for safety reasons and is common when close to major intersections.

Mr Green said the inconvenience to motorists will be outweighed by the safety of the intersection.

Local resident Liz Duncan added that the real issue was the number of motorists choosing to take Bibra Drive over North Lake when travelling south.

Both roads connect to the busy Farrington Road.

‘The major problem here is just where is all this traffic coming from and what, if anything, is going to be done about it given the stated aim here is to improve the safety and efficiency of the intersection of Bibra Drive and North Lake Road,’ Ms Duncan said.

‘Making the intersection more efficient obviously has merit as it should help the flow of traffic but surely the most efficient and logical solution would be to eliminate the problem at the cause by re-routing all the vehicles using these streets as the proverbial rat-run.’

Mr Green said construction is expected to be finished in June.

‘Some traffic delays are inevitable with any roadwork but as usual the City will endeavour to minimise any delays,’ he said.

Community consultation is open until March 16.