In recent weeks, motorists have reached boiling point over congestion along South Street and Murdoch Drive, with sections of both South Street and Murdoch Drive being reduced to one lane as part of the roadworks.
Motorist Sarah Tamsin said she had been forced to find an alternative route to work after being stuck in peak-hour congestion for over an hour last week.
‘I now make my way down Farrington Road to avoid the congestion at the intersection,’ she said. ‘I have also spoken to a few motorists cutting through the university or hospital site to reduce their waiting time.
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READ NOW‘I have noticed congestion building in the past month, but it has got progressively busier over the last two weeks.’
A Main Roads spokeswoman confirmed roadworks were under way to improve future access and traffic flow to Fiona Stanley Hospital and Murdoch Activity Centre, which is expected to attract up to 35,000 people to the area every day by 2035.
‘The project is scheduled for completion in November 2013, prior to the opening of the Fiona Stanley Hospital,’ she said.
The spokeswoman said a majority of the works had been scheduled for the school holidays.
‘Where possible, works that may impact road users are scheduled during school holidays to minimise delays and also make it easier for the work to be carried out,’ she said.
The works are part of a $15 million commitment from the State Government to improve the intersection by the end of the year.
Earlier this month, Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey said Murdoch Hospital and Murdoch Activity Centre growth would lead to increased congestion.
‘When both hospitals are completed, 10,000 additional people will visit the area every day,’ he said. ‘This number will grow rapidly to 35,000 people.’
Despite increased traffic congestion, Murdoch Senior Sergeant Iain Thompson said there had not been an increase in accidents.