Black Spot funds allocated

The City will install overhead lights above the intersection as well as build a left-turn pocket on Rutland Road leading into the major highway.

Main Roads statistics show about 11,000 vehicles use the intersection each day. Between January 2008 and December 2012 there were 21 crashes reported there, with three resulting in serious injuries.

City chief executive Mike Foley said $220,000 toward the long-promised upgrade would come from the Federal Government’s Black Spot road funding program.

He said the council had initially allocated $12,000 for the project in its 2004-05 Budget, but costs to run power to the intersection were higher than expected.

‘Design work for the changes to the intersection are almost complete and the project has been included in the City’s construction schedule for February 2014,’ Mr Foley said.

He said the time frame for installation of the lights would be dependent on Western Power’s works schedule.

But, because it is a Black Spot project, the City would ask the utility to prioritise the project.

‘Street light works will be carried out as part of a greater upgrade,’ Mr Foley said.

Bullsbrook resident Helen Keillor said that after nine years of inaction by the council, she was pleased with the City’s commitment to upgrade the intersection.

‘The City of Swan advised me in 2006 that the lighting was on the works program,’ she said.

‘This upgrade is long overdue but at least it is now going ahead.’