Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2020 at 1:45:46 PM
The transformation of one of the busiest intersections in the CBD into a roundabout is set to begin in April.
Works to upgrade the T-intersection at the corner of Durlacher and Maitland Streets will improve traffic safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the two thirds State government grant funded project will be a game changer for the traffic flow in the area.
“Over the years traffic congestion has steadily increased along Durlacher and Maitland Streets in the vicinity of the schools with almost 9,000 vehicles travelling through the intersection every day,” he said.
“Anyone driving in the vicinity of this intersection at peak hour traffic during school pick-up and drop-off times knows firsthand how quickly traffic backs up leading to real safety concerns for people trying to cross Maitland Street.”
Preliminary works for the construction of the roundabout include utility services relocations and the removal of six small trees and five large Norfolk Pine trees will begin after the Easter long weekend. The construction of the roundabout is expected to be completed in July 2021.
Mayor Van Styn said the City is planning to offset the removal of trees.
“When it comes to trees, the City’s preference is to maintain and keep trees where they are,” he said.
“However, the removal of these trees are necessary to improve traffic safety at the intersection including safe intersection sight distance, bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, safe passing opportunities on Durlacher Street and to improve the general traffic operation of the intersection.
“The City is currently investigating options to offset the removal of the trees and has included the planting of street trees throughout the CBD as part of the revitalisation of the area.”
The estimated cost of the project is $1 million of which two thirds is funded by the State Government Black Spot Funding program.
More information on the project here
PICTURE CAPTION: Durlacher and Maitland Streets T-intersection.
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