A roundabout is set to be installed at the Fairway Drive and Busselton Bypass intersection in the coming 12 months after numerous calls for action.
Between 2013 and 2017 there were 30 crashes at the intersection which was ranked fourth on the list of the RAC’s riskiest intersections for inadequate crossing or turning opportunity.
For Bluebird Childcare Centre director Natalie Gordon the news was a welcome relief, the centre operate eight buses which were mostly on the road during peak traffic times.
The centre runs a service which picks up and drops off children before and after school.
“It will be a lot more safe, as well as less stress and pressure for our drivers who are on the road during all the peak times in the mornings and afternoons,” she said.
“It will also save time, our drivers will not have to deviate around the intersection.”
Earlier this year Busselton resident David Parker said the main problem was when the intersection was busy, cars which turned right onto the bypass were deceived by speeding vehicles.
Mr Parker said it was okay when traffic traveled at 80 kilometres per hour but it was deceiving when traffic sped at 100kmh.
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam has advocated for improvements to the intersection, was pleased the project was progressing to its final stages.
“I understand that construction works on the roundabout are scheduled to start in spring,” she said.
“I am very grateful to Natalie Gordon of Bluebird Childcare Centres and other community members who have raised their concerns after a concerning number of accidents occurring at this intersection.
"A number of additional safety measures have been put in place by Main Roads WA in the past including a speed reduction from 90kmh to 80kmh.
“Improvements have also been made to the left hand turn from the bypass into Fairway Drive to reduce the number of incidents.
“However with the increased volume of traffic this has not been adequate and it was identified by Main Roads that the roundabout was required to improve the safety of road users at this junction.”
City of Busselton director of engineering and work services Oliver Darby said the project would likely be undertaken by Main Roads within the next 12 months.
“The city supports construction of a roundabout at this busy intersection as it will improve traffic flow.”
Main Roads WA were contacted for comment but did not respond by the time of publication.
Have your say: What do you think about a roundabout at the intersection? Email editorial.bdmail@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
