Flores and Eastward Roads Roundabout Project
Construction on a key safety upgrade at the Flores Road and Eastward Road intersection aimed at reducing traffic accidents will start next week.
Works scheduled to begin Monday 20 April will reconfigure the existing Utakarra T-intersection into a roundabout, significantly improving safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. To keep traffic disruptions to a minimum construction works will be staged with Flores Road, Eastward Road and Alexander Street remaining open during the initial construction period.
The intersection at the corner of Flores Road and Eastward Road in Utakarra underwent an assessment in 2023 due to the high number of accidents recorded in the previous five years at the intersection. The results of the assessment revealed 13 serious vehicle accidents were reported, some involving severe injuries and major property damage, so the decision was made to reconfigure the intersection to a roundabout to improve driver, cyclist and pedestrian safety.
A traffic impact study and traffic modelling undertaken during the design process concluded a four leg roundabout which includes Alexander Street was needed due to proposed development in the area and the City's predicted population growth.
A roundabout at this intersection designed to accommodate heavy vehicles including RAV7 road trains will improve traffic flow through the area and create a much safer environment for everyone using these roads.
More information on the project is available in the FAQs below.
Image: Roundabout layout.
Construction Program Stages
To help reduce disruptions to traffic flow through the area the project will be delivered in stages.
Stage 1: Works will take place on the land opposite Alexander Street. Flores Road, Eastward Road and Alexander Street remain open to traffic. Time frame: Works begin on April 20 for an estimated five weeks subject to weather.
As traffic management plans for additional stages are confirmed this section will be updated accordingly.
Construction Duration
Works began the week of Monday 20 April 2026. The civil/road works will take approximately four months to complete. Landscaping activities utilising plants and trees currently being grown at the Community Nursery are scheduled to take place during the winter months of 2027.
Project Funding
The estimated construction cost of the new roundabout is approximately $5 million and is jointly funded by the State Government through a $1,986,267 Black Spot Program contribution and a $1 million Road Project Grant, with the City funding the remaining cost.
What is the Black Spot Program
The Black Spot Program identifies and treats intersections and sections of road where serious crashes have occurred or where there is a high risk of crashes occurring in the future. The program aims to improve road safety by funding targeted safety upgrades such as roundabouts, traffic signals and street lighting to help improve driver, cyclist and pedestrian safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a roundabout being built at this intersection?
To improve driver, cyclist and pedestrian safety. Due to the high number of vehicles accidents recorded at the intersection it was deemed unsafe and the decision was made to reconfigure it to a roundabout.
How many accidents have occurred at the intersection?
In the five years prior to a 2023 audit of the intersection, 13 serious vehicle accidents were reported, some involving severe injuries and major property damage. Due to the high number of vehicles crashes the Flores/Eastward Road intersection was declared a Black Spot.
Why not install traffic lights instead of building a roundabout?
Roundabouts are installed by Local governments primarily for improving safety (reducing severe crashes by eliminating T-bones), improved traffic flow (continuous movement, less idling and congestion), and lower long-term costs (no electricity/signal maintenance). Main Roads WA actively prefers roundabouts as they are more efficient and safer, and will only consider approving traffic lights if land or services prevent the construction of a roundabout.
Will large trucks including RAV7 road trains be able to use the roundabout?
Yes. The roundabout has been designed to safely accommodate heavy vehicles, including RAV7 road trains currently permitted on these roads. Main Roads WA reviewed and approved the roundabout design to ensure it meets all specifications, guidelines and safety requirements for these vehicle types.
Why is the intersection being relocated?
A traffic impact study and traffic modelling undertaken during the design process concluded a three-leg roundabout at the existing intersection would result in unacceptable levels of vehicle queues lengths due to proposed development in the area and the City’s predicted population growth. Therefore, a four-leg roundabout which includes Alexander Street was designed. The alternative location also meets the short and long term safety requirements and capacity needs of the City.
How many trees will need to be removed as part of the project?
To allow for the construction of the roundabout and ensure clear driver sightlines, critical to road safety are achieved, 23 trees will need to be removed. However, the project also involves significant landscaping of the area which includes the planting of 60 trees.