Dozens of major roads across WA still in need of major safety upgrades which haven’t started, says RAC

Dozens of major roads across WA - which are deemed some of our most dangerous and perilous - are still in need of major safety upgrades which haven’t yet started. New data compiled by the RAC shows little to no progress has been made in the past 18 months in terms of planning and funding upgrades to some of our most dangerous roads and intersections. One of Perth’s most notorious congestion hot spots, the southbound part of the Mitchell Freeway in West Perth - is among those still in dire need of major safety upgrades. That stretch of the freeway - running from Charles Street to the Narrows Bridge - was ranked second in RAC’s 2022 Risky Roads survey. A recent ‘scorecard analysis’ by the RAC of those risky roads shows there are up to nine major roads and intersections across WA which are no closer to any sort of safety upgrades. And of the 10 riskiest intersections across Perth identified by the RAC, six have not had any funding allocated. Among those yet to be funded for any safety upgrades are the intersection of Marmion Avenue and Seacrest Drive in Sorrento and the intersection of Ocean Reef Road and Edgewater Drive in Edgewater. RAC spokesman Will Golsby said it was a major concern many of WA’s most dangerous roads were lacking in any form of safety upgrades. “We’re pleased to see works nearing completion on some of the dangerous roads ... but it is concerning that many problem spots remain unfunded, and, in some cases, without works even planned,” he said. So far this year, 73 people have lost have their lives on WA roads. That’s 11 more than the same time last year. “In WA, three people are killed and more than 30 hospitalised every week due to road trauma – costing the state economy $2.4 billion a year,” Mr Golsby added. “That’s why this campaign continues to be so important – it amplifies our calls for safer roads across our State.” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said road safety remained one of the Cook Government’s “top priorities”. “Which is why our government is investing record amounts into initiatives like the regional road safety program,” she said. “Since 2020, we have invested nearly $1 billion into the Regional Road Safety Program, delivering life-saving treatments like audible edge lines and sealed shoulders to around 9000 kilometres of the State’s regional road network.” Ms Saffioti said Main Roads would continue to look at ways of improving road networks to improve safety and efficiency. Perth’s top 10 risky roads 1. Farrall Road, Midvale 2. Mitchell Freeway (southbound), West Perth 3. Neaves Road, Banksia Grove to Bullsbrook 4. Orton Road, Casuarina to Byford 5. Kargotich Road, Oakford 6. Kwinana Freeway (southbound) Canning Hwy interchange 7. Thomas Road, Casuarina to Byford 8. Flynn Drive, Carramar, Neerabup 9. Mundijong Road, Baldivis to Mundijong 10. Walter Place, North Fremantle