Causeway bus lanes project a major boost for commuters

14/5/00
Transport Minister Murray Criddle today unveiled plans that will see Perth's Causeway transformed into world-class rapid transit route for public transport commuters.
The $5 million project, which gets under way later this month, features a priority bus lane in both directions down the centre of the Causeway, modifications to the approaches, and the construction of a passenger transfer station in Victoria Park.
"This project will radically streamline traffic flows on the Causeway and while we give buses priority there will also be major benefits for motorists in terms of safety," Mr Criddle said.
"I'm sure both public transport users and motorists will greet the changes enthusiastically.
"Prior to the opening of the Graham Farmer Freeway more than 100,000 vehicles were using the Causeway, including buses from 30 service routes.
"This was among Perth's worst traffic black spot but thanks to diversion of 60,000-80,000 vehicles a day to the Graham Farmer Freeway we now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine the way the Causeway is used.
"The Causeway development is part of the long-term Perth Access plan to reduce congestion and pollution in the central and make Perth's Central Business District a more people friendly place.
"With the opening of the new freeway and tunnel through Northbridge there has been a marked drop in peak hour traffic spilling over the Causeway on to Riverside Drive and central streets such as Hay Street and Adelaide Terrace."
Mr. Criddle said the priority bus lanes project was a major step forward for public transport in Perth because the new priority bus lanes would be linked to a new passenger transfer station in Victoria Park.
"The two central Causeway lanes will also connect with dedicated bus lanes on Canning Highway and Shepperton Road, reducing delays and travel time for commuters," he said.
"Currently about 20,000 people travel across the Causeway by bus each day and that number is expected to grow significantly as more people begin to appreciate how easy and safe it will be to travel into and out of the city centre."
Mr Criddle said the project involved not only building two dedicated bus lanes but also major changes to both approaches to ensure that buses received priority over other forms of transport. Existing east-west general traffic lanes would be reduced in number from three each way to two each way.
The existing Causeway West roundabout, the State's number one blackspot, would also be replaced with a new tear-shape inter-section with new traffic signals to improve safety. It would incorporate a large fountain gifted to the State by the WA Italian community.

"While lifting the general appearance of the Causeway approaches is part of the overall plan, traffic safety is our overriding priority," Mr Criddle said.
"During the past 15 years, most accidents on the Causeway were caused by overtaking, resulting in rear-end or sideswiping vehicle damage."
The Minister said Causeway remodelling would begin at the end of May and would continue for 20 weeks. During this period, disruptions to traffic would occur.
He said the Government would keep city commuters and local residents informed during the progress of the Causeway enhancements.
Road users, especially those living in the immediate area, should use alternate routes whenever possible, including the Graham Farmer Freeway and Canning Highway while the remodelling takes place.
Mr Criddle said the Causeway upgrade was one of several Government projects under way to enhance Perth's public transport system. Other major initiatives included the construction of dedicated dual buslanes on Kwinana Freeway and the Narrow Bridge project, which would also incorporate dedicated dual bus lanes.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333