Light plan for heavy traffic

The City of Swan will install temporary traffic lights at the corner until work on the Gnangara Road dual carriageway from Alexander Drive to Beechboro Road is complete.

The plan to install the interim traffic signals is subject to approval from Main Roads WA, but the City expects to be given the green light soon.

The intersection has had a reputation of being one of WA’s worst for years because of the difficulty turning right from Beechboro Road on to Gnangara Road. It was listed at the top of a list of ‘the riskiest roads in WA’ in a 2011 RAC survey of drivers and fifth in 2012.

There were 300 reported crashes on Gnangara Road in the five years ending 2011, including 131 accidents at the major intersection.

City chief executive Mike Foley said the new lights were needed urgently to address major community safety concerns.

‘While there will be some disruption to road users during construction, the City will endeavour to keep this to a minimum,’ he said.

The City is expected to begin its $27 million dual carriageway reconstruction of Gnangara Road from Alexander Road to Beechboro Road by the middle of the year.

‘The second carriageways are being built on new ground parallel with the existing alignment, which will allow traffic flow along Gnangara Road to continue during roadworks,’ Mr Foley said.

‘However, with reduced speed limits in place, commuters may wish to consider alternate routes.’

Swan Hills MLA Frank Alban said he looked forward to the benefits of the upgrades,

‘With Gnangara Road such a vital gateway to the Swan Valley, the installation of traffic lights at Beechboro Road is an important safety measure,’ he said.