Page 2992 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 August 1991
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MINISTER FOR URBAN SERVICES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION
QUESTION NO. 516
Namatjira Drive Roadworks
Mr Kaine - asked the Minister for Urban Services
(1) Why is Namatjira Dive being realigned to reduce its width by approximately one third.
(2) What is the cost of this work.
Mr Connolly - the answer to the Members question is as follows:
(1) The measures provided on Namatjira Drive are a considered response to community concerns. The Traffic and Roads Section of the Department of Urban Services has been approached by Weston Creek High School on several occasions in recent years expressing concern about the safety of pedestrians crossing Namatjira Drive and the speed of traffic using this road.
They are particularly concerned about the section of Namatjira Drive south of Badimara Street. The northern section is covered by a school zone and underpass. Investigations undertaken by Traffic and Roads Section confirm a high level of pedestrian activity in this area as well as high vehicle speeds, which have been measured as high as 75 km/h.
The narrowing of Namatjira Drive is intended to reduce the speed of traffic, which was a major concern of the school community. Surveys have confirmed that the high traffic speeds have the potential for pedestrian related accidents. The facilities currently being implemented will improve pedestrian safety by providing several centrally located pedestrian refuges. Pedestrians crossing the road can do so in two stages and will therefore only have to choose gaps in traffic travelling in one direction.
It is not appropriate to provide school zones on the section of Namatjira Drive south of Badimara Street, as it has no direct school frontage. Experience has shown that the effectiveness of a school zone which is too long and which has no direct school frontage is greatly reduced.
(2) The works currently being provided will cost approximately $30,000 and are being funded by the Department of Urban Services 1990/91 Capital Works Program.
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