THE Public Transport Authority will build a roundabout on Hester Avenue so Transperth buses can “turn safely” from Baltimore Parade, a spokesman says.
David Hynes said PTA had been working with Main Roads WA and the City of Wanneroo regarding the proposed roundabout at the Merriwa junction.
Mr Hynes said about 40 fewer passengers had been boarding route 483 on an average weekday since Transperth diverted the route to Marmion Avenue last August when the Mitchell Freeway extension opened.
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READ NOW“The roundabout is required so that Transperth buses can turn safely from Baltimore Parade on to Hester Avenue,” he said.
“When complete, route 483 will be able to resume its original path – right-turn on to Hester Avenue.
“The resulting route changes are expected to save up to three minutes in travel time for some passengers as well as making the service direct, convenient and reliable.”
The Wanneroo Council approved PTA’s offer to design and construct a roundabout at the junction at its July 26 meeting.
The approval was subject to consideration of the outcomes of community engagement, safety reviews and provision of crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
“A lot of local residents are missing that (bus) service and so are local businesses,” Deputy Mayor Nat Sangalli said.
Mr Hynes said there would be a community information session before the detailed design phase started and PTA had would determine the cost and timeline after that.
Last year, Main Roads offered the City $2.4 million to build the roundabout, which the council agreed to accept only if it could install traffic signals instead.
Main Roads rejected the traffic signals option, saying a roundabout was the safest and most efficient option.