TRAFFIC on Connolly Drive in Clarkson has more than halved since the Mitchell Freeway extension opened.
A report on tonight’s council meeting agenda said the traffic volume between Neerabup Road and Hester Avenue had dropped from 17,400 vehicles per day in a 2016 count to 8200 in September’s count.
The counts also showed that speeds had increased following the freeway extension opening, up to 70km/h from 62km/h in 2016.
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READ NOWThe report recommends the council endorse a speed limit increase from 60km/h to 70km/h between Neerabup Road and Lukin Drive.
“Traffic count data shows that motorists consider the recently improved road environment to be suitable for vehicle speeds of 70km/h,” it said.
“The issue of pedestrian safety has been considered, particularly in relation to school crossings.
“The change of speed limit is not expected to negatively impact on safety in these areas due to existing 40km/h school zones during school drop off and pick up times.
“Additionally, the number of vehicles using this section of Connolly Drive has more than halved following the opening of the Mitchell Freeway extension.”
The report said Main Roads WA was responsible for installing road signs and was expected to implement the change within four weeks of receiving notification of the council’s decision, if it endorses the change.
The traffic counts showed an increase from 19,900 vehicles per day on the section from Hester Avenue to Lukin Drive in 2016 to 21,300 in September.
It said the widening of Connolly Drive had created a pedestrian refuge in the median strip, which improved safety for people crossing near Jenolan Way.
“Pedestrian volumes on this section of Connolly Drive are not high enough for MRWA to consider the installation of traffic signals or a zebra crossing,” it said.
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