A speed limit reduction to 100kmh along a stretch of Indian Ocean Drive will be introduced immediately, in line with a recommendation from a safety review released today.
Lowering the speed limit was the first of a number of findings in the safety report undertaken by the Indian Ocean Drive Highway Safety Review Group, and Main Roads staff will be actioning the change this week.
The McGowan Government initiated the safety review of Indian Ocean Drive following a number of serious and fatal crashes along the highway between Two Rocks and Lancelin in recent months.
The Indian Ocean Drive Highway Safety Review Group was formed, comprising of expert staff from the Road Safety Commission, WA Police Force and Main Roads WA.
The group identified a series of findings split over the short and medium and long-term that could improve safety along the road.
Many of the recommendations such as a speed limit reduction, audible edge and centre lines, increased police patrols, more signage and additional overtaking lanes are already being implemented by the State Government.
Meanwhile, some of the short to medium term recommendations will be given consideration subject to future budgetary processes and the effect of the State Government’s initial road safety improvements:
Further clearing of roadside hazards;
Reviewing intersection designs to improve the visibility of traffic;
Road shoulder widening; and
Further overtaking lanes.
About 30km of audible edge lines have already been applied in three separate sections between Two Rocks and Lancelin, with all audible centre and edge lines to be finalised by early 2018.
Work will also soon start on the $7 million construction of four passing lanes between the Ledge Point and Seabird turn off
Construction of the first two passing lanes located either side of the Ledge Point intersection will be completed by mid-2018, while the remaining pair situated about eight kilometres further south will be built in 2018-19.
A full copy of the report is available on the Road Safety Commission’s website.