Peter Pelser (Carramar). Photo: Martin Kennealey
Camera IconPeter Pelser (Carramar). Photo: Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Carramar resident concerned about safety along unlit Wanneroo Road widening construction site

Lucy JarvisWanneroo Times

A CARRAMAR resident has called for better lighting on the $31 million Wanneroo Road widening project, but Main Roads WA says it meets traffic management standards.

Peter Pelser said when driving on the stretch between Joondalup Drive and Flynn Drive at night while it was raining, he found there was “no lighting”.

“It’s a safety issue,” he said.

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Photo: Martin Kennealey
Camera IconPhoto: Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Pelser said he raised concerns with Main Roads about getting temporary lighting and reflectors in the 60km/h construction zone, but nothing had been done.

However Main Roads spokesman Dean Roberts said traffic management was set up to separate the works area from traffic both during the day and at night, and adhered to traffic management standards.

“From April 2018, 10 enquiries have been received regarding concrete barrier placement and requests for lighting on Wanneroo Road to be reviewed,” Mr Roberts said.

“A series of road safety audits have been undertaken to ensure traffic management and temporary lighting is in accordance with relevant standards.

Photo: Martin Kennealey
Camera IconPhoto: Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“The audits have confirmed that these aspects of the project are being managed appropriately.”

Mr Roberts said no extra lighting would be provided during the works, but permanent street lighting would be installed.

He said there would be some maintenance work on cones and demarcation this week.

Following reports of delays due to wet weather, Mr Pelser said while he appreciated the State and Federal government’s investment in the road upgrade, it seemed to go “on and on”.

“It’s frustrating, not just for us as residents, but for everyone using the road,” he said.

Photo: Martin Kennealey
Camera IconPhoto: Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Roberts said the project was due for completion in December and works done so far included noise walls, the crossover at Joondalup Drive, pavement materials and drainage.

“Upcoming works include kerbing, asphalt, prime and seal, W-beam installation and principal shared path completion,” he said.

“The recent wet weather conditions have delayed the works on Golf Links Drive which include kerbing, sealing of the road and line marking.

“Detours are in place and full access to all properties is provided under traffic management.

“The re-opening of Golf Links Drive is scheduled for mid-September.

“Carramar Road will be closed to traffic from mid to late September to enable tie-in works for the intersection to be completed.”

Mr Pelser also said his house had been damaged during construction.

“The place is cracking like a puzzle,” he said.

“Pictures are falling off the wall.”

Mr Roberts said Main Roads had not received any structural damage claims.

He said upgrading Wanneroo Road to a dual carriageway from Joondalup Drive to Flynn Drive would “enhance road safety and efficiency and reduce travel times”.

“The project will also cater for long-term traffic demands generated by rapid population growth in Perth’s north-west metropolitan corridor,” he said.

“It is one of three complementary projects being undertaken on Wanneroo Road to remove bottlenecks and create safer, more efficient journeys.

“Construction of the nearby Wanneroo Road-Joondalup Drive interchange is scheduled to begin in late-2018.”