Major upgrade for busy Stock Road intersection

A busy intersection in the southern suburb of O'Connor is getting a $1.17million upgrade thanks to Western Australian Black Spot funding.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said the Stock Road/Garling Street/Stockdale Road intersection in the O'Connor Industrial Area carried more than 20,000 vehicles each weekday and had recorded more than 50 crashes in the past five years.

Mr O'Brien said the intersection was considered an ideal candidate for Black Spot funding, which targeted improvements to the safety of roads with a proven crash history or high-risk locations.

He said the major upgrade was needed because the intersection's layout made it difficult for vehicles trying to exit the side roads.

"Vehicles on both Stockdale Road and Garling Street trying to enter Stock Road are taking risks because traffic flow on Stock Road is so high there are very few gaps," the Minister said.

"The crash history shows there is a very high number of right angle type crashes at the intersection.

"This indicates that drivers are pulling out when it is unsafe to do so because they are frustrated at having to wait so long."

The work would involve installing new traffic signals; extending both right turn pockets on Stock Road; realigning Stockdale Road and Garling Street; building a new left turn pocket for southbound traffic on Stock Road; upgrading pedestrian crossing facilities and installing new signs and lines.

The contract, which was awarded to Downer EDI Works, commenced last week and was due to be completed by August.

The project would be managed by Main Roads Western Australia Metropolitan Region.