To enhance walkability in Perth CBD, the City of Perth and Main Roads will trial upgrades at key signalised intersections within the CBD to reduce overall wait times for pedestrians.
Backed by a feasibility study, the trial of reduced traffic signal cycle times will improve pedestrian wait times while implementing measures to enhance pedestrian safety and aid traffic flow at eight key intersections around Elizabeth Quay and along Mounts Bay Road from 26 September 2017.
Many of the signalised intersections in the City of Perth operate on cycle times greater than 120 seconds (the time taken for a set of traffic signals to complete a full sequence of lights) which has significant impacts on pedestrian wait times. These cycle times are considered to be relatively long when compared with other major city Central Business Districts.
City of Perth CEO Martin Mileham said the reduction in cycle times (the time taken for signals to complete a full sequence of lights) will reduce overall wait times for pedestrians and cyclists while other measures are implemented to maintain efficiency for buses and general traffic.
“The City of Perth Transport Strategy identified opportunities to enhance the overall movement through the CBD by improving the transport network and significant work has been undertaken with Main Roads to assess and develop new signal timings and strategies which will achieve this,” Mr Mileham said.
“Traffic modelling shows lower cycle times will deliver time savings on average to pedestrians and will provide a more efficient transport network for ratepayers and the community.”
Mr Mileham said key initiatives within the City’s Transport Strategy and Strategic Community Plan 2029 highlight the aspiration for Perth to achieve a more connected and pedestrian friendly City.
“Medium to long term strategies the City of Perth continues to deliver – such as the Parallel Walk and Two-Way Streets Programs – are proving to be very effective in enhancing walkability, accessibility and activation by creating pedestrian friendly streets.
“The trial of lower cycle times will also involve removing the exclusive pedestrian crossing phase at the intersection of William Street, Esplanade and Mounts Bay Road to allow more efficient flow of traffic.”
Mr Mileham said it is important for all road users to make note of these changes and approach the intersections in an alert, safe and courteous manner.
“In order to enhance pedestrian safety, the south and west pedestrian crossings at the intersection will be fully protected to assist the large number of pedestrians to move safely to and from the Elizabeth Quay bus and train stations.”
In addition to signage and water barriers, traffic controllers will be at the intersection to inform pedestrians of the changes and guide them in crossing until 1 October, and then for one week from 9 October to coincide with the return to school term.
On completion of the trial, the City of Perth and Main Roads will assess the success of the initiative and whether it should be extended across the City.
A Main Roads’ spokesperson said Main Roads encourages local government authorities to work with Main Roads to review the operation of traffic signals on local roads to consider sustainable modes of transport, as well as public transport and private vehicles.
“The review of traffic signal operation on local roads is a key component of the task and Main Roads supports initiatives that address sustainability, safety and efficiency,” the spokesperson said.
From 26 September 2017, traffic signal cycles of 120 seconds will be trialled at the following intersections:
- Mounts Bay Road / Kwinana Fwy off-ramp
- Mounts Bay Road / Spring Street
- Mount Bay Road / Mill Street
- William St / The Esplanade / Mounts Bay Road
- William St / Riverside Drive / Mitchell Freeway on-off ramps
- Riverside Drive / Kwinana Fwy on ramp
- Barrack St / The Esplanade
- Barrack St / Riverside Drive
