A proposal for a new highway in Perth’s south to help alleviate traffic issues ahead of an influx of AUKUS sailors has been scrapped after a study found it was not needed.
Rockingham residents have long complained of traffic congestion at peak times when vehicles are driving on and off the causeway that connects HMAS Stirling on Garden Island to the mainland.
The AUKUS submarine deal looks set to increase traffic numbers in the area, when up to five nuclear-powered submarines are based there, and around 1,200 US and UK navy personnel relocate to live nearby from 2027.
The City of Rockingham had suggested the construction of the Garden Island Highway — mooted since 1975, with land set aside for the purpose — could solve the problem.
This shot shows the causeway connecting Garden Island to the mainland. (Supplied: City of Rockingham)
A $2 million feasibility study was undertaken, funded by the state and federal governments, but in a statement a WA government spokesperson told the ABC Main Roads had found that projected traffic volumes did not warrant building the new highway.
“It found that targeted upgrades to the existing road network could effectively manage traffic impacts,” the spokesperson said.
“It also found building a new highway would have significant environmental, amenity and safety impacts on the surrounding area.”
This bottleneck, comprising Safety Bay Road, Parkin Street, Hymus Street and Point Peron Road, creates problems in Rockingham. (Google Maps)
Last year the City of Rockingham commissioned a study that showed the Cape Peron area was already at capacity during peak times, particularly the area where Safety Bay Road, Hymus Street, Parkin Steet and Point Peron Road meet.Â
“If we don’t get the Parkin Street (and) Point Peron Road junction sorted out, we face road network breakdown,” Rockingham Mayor Lorna Buchan said this week.
Rockingham Mayor Lorna Buchan speaks with the Director General of the Australian Submarine Agency, Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead. (ABC News: Rhiannon Shine)
Mayor Buchan said the city had been made aware of the results of the Main Roads review, and would be “seeking further information on the future of road infrastructure around Cape Peron”.
Locals worried
Mike Cantelo’s house faces Point Peron Road, and he had to replace his fence after a car ploughed into it.
“I am quite looking forward [to AUKUS], I think it will be a good thing for the state and a good thing for the country,” Mr Cantelo said.
Rockingham resident Mike Cantelo describes traffic in the area as “ridiculous”. (ABC News: Rhiannon Shine)
“But I don’t know whether the logistics has been done correctly yet.
“The traffic here is just ridiculous.Â
“In the morning there would have to be three or four thousand cars coming through, in the afternoon the same.”
Last month Resources Minister and local resident Madeleine King told journalists traffic issues were a valid concern.
“I drive those roads all the time so I really understand the problem,” she said.
Madeleine King says she has first-hand experience of the traffic congestion. (ABC News: Adam Kennedy)
“I can assure the community, we are well aware of the challenges ahead, and I know the community supports facing those challenges because it’s for their benefit and in the national interest.”
On Monday the Australian Submarine Agency held a community information session for locals in Rockingham.
Nuclear safety was the top concern among those residents who spoke, but housing shortages, traffic and community infrastructure needs were also flagged.
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