Latest news with #MainRoads
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Road headaches for residents as ‘urgent works' incomplete
The troublesome intersection of Guildford Road and King William Street in Bayswater continues to remain untouched as residents call for intersection works to be completed. The City of Bayswater's annual general meeting of electors in March backed a motion from local resident Georgina Ker that the city's CEO ask Main Roads to 'urgently complete' intersection works and to raise the issue to the relevant State Government bodies. Ms Ker said at the meeting the improvements were budgeted for in the State's Black Spot program in 2018 but the project didn't proceed due to high construction cost estimates. Your local paper, whenever you want it. 'At the time we were promised upgraded pedestrian facilities, extension of turning pockets and installation of 'M' arms,' she said at the time. Ms Ker said the City of Bayswater approved the closure of Whatley Crescent for train station works in 2021 on the condition that the State Government fund and implement the improvements to the intersection. 'Now it's 2025, the train station works have been fully completed, we're still waiting on these long promised and much-needed improvements,' Ms Ker said. Ms Ker said there was a history of crashes at the intersection. According to Main Roads data, over the past five years there have been zero fatalities, three hospital crashes and 21 medical treatment crashes at the intersection. There were no crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists. The busy intersection awaits further works. Credit: Sophie Gannon A Main Roads spokesperson said Main Roads had not made any commitments to upgrade the intersection but had started work to identify potential future upgrades. 'Main Roads is constantly reviewing the entire road network to identify improvements and upgrades, but with over 100,000 intersections across the State there is always a requirement to prioritise resources,' the spokesperson said. Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti said the city had been advocating to Main Roads WA for improvements on Guildford Road for years. 'During this time, we have been successful in securing a dedicated right-turn signal phase for city-bound vehicles turning from King William Street onto Guildford Road, as well as pedestrian warning lights added on the left-turn signal phase,' she said. 'The city will continue to raise this matter with the local member and Main Roads WA as this stretch of road is under their control.'
West Australian
12 hours ago
- West Australian
Mother's plea after daughter survives head-on crash in the Pilbara
Michelle Leslie was on the other side of Australia in Ipswich, Queensland, watching her nephew's AFL match when she received the news her daughter was involved in a head-on collision near Roebourne. Jasmine Whitfield, 24, was in the car with friends when the Toyota Prado collided with a Toyota HiLux on North West Coastal Highway on May 23, claiming the lives of both drivers, 29-year-old Dakota Tahi Tahi and a 21-year-old man. 'I was just in shock when I heard the news,' Ms Leslie said. 'I was panicking, just in disbelief, all the emotions — my family were with me when I received the call. Not knowing if she was all right was what made it harder. 'The crash happened that afternoon. We didn't find out until night time. 'Our deepest love and condolences for Dakota's family.' Ms Leslie is calling for financial support through GoFundMe , so she can be at her daughter's side during her recovery in the trauma unit at Royal Perth Hospital. 'It's hard because I don't have leave from work, so this is why we've put the GoFundMe out, to raise funds just to help with Jasmine; if she needs things and getting me to and from the hospital. Accommodation is a big factor too, it's expensive,' she said. 'Any help I can get, we both really appreciate this, because I'm going to extend my stay from four weeks to 10-12 weeks to be with Jasmine through all of her appointments. 'I've got no income coming in, as of next week.' Three other female passengers in the Prado were injured, including 19-year-old Manawa Hinaki, who was also flown to Royal Perth Hospital with critical injuries. The collision brings the number of road deaths between Karratha and Roebourne to four in 2025 so far, compared with two in 2024. Teenagers Dennis Hicks, 16, and Ethan Howard, 17, died in a motorbike crash near Cleaverville Road in March this year. The Pilbara community is now calling for better safety measures on the highway. In a statement, a Main Roads spokesperson said in recent years, they had delivered a range of upgrades to improve safety on North West Coastal Highway, including two overtaking lanes, widening, and installing an audible edge and centre lines on the 38km section between Roebourne and Karratha. 'When travelling on regional roads, it's critical all road users plan ahead, manage fatigue and distractions, and be aware of the road conditions when travelling long distances,' the spokesperson said. 'As with all fatal crashes, a police investigation will be undertaken. 'In accordance with Main Roads' crash investigation policy, the agency will also undertake its own fatal crash investigation to determine if any road environment factors contributed to the severity of this crash.' Pilbara District Acting Supt Matt Froude urged all motorists to drive safely at all times. 'We continue to remind motorists to always drive safely on our roads right across the State, and keep in mind the wellbeing of others,' he said. 'WA Police continue to see crashes from drivers that fall victim to the 'fatal five' across the State, which continue to be overrepresented in fatal and serious crashes. 'These are speeding, impaired driving (alcohol/drugs), non-use of restraints/helmets, distracted driving (use of mobile phones), and fatigue. 'Our officers do not want to knock on your door to deliver devastating and life-changing news about the loss of a loved one on our roads. Please take care on our roads so everyone can arrive at their destination safely.'
West Australian
15 hours ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Perth traffic: Socceroos v Japan FIFA qualifier at Optus Stadium expected to cause heavy traffic
The battle to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place tonight at Optus Stadium and Main Roads WA is encouraging the public to stay safe - whether driving, ride sharing or taking public transport. Main Roads advised the public to be aware of increased foot traffic and frequently stopping vehicles in the Burswood sporting precinct and surrounds before and after the big clash. Punters were also encourages to take up the offer of free public transport included in the ticket price as tow away zones would be in place. Transperth advises the public that direct trains and the Suburban Event Bus Network would not operate before the match but would come into operation 45 minutes after the end of the game. The ride share drop off spot is Sailani Avenue, East Perth, encouraging the use of the Matagarup Bridge. The do or die clash between Australia and Japan will take the winner a step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup - a competition to be held across three venues for the first time, the United States, Canada and Mexico next year. Gates to Optus Stadium open at 5:15pm with kick off at 7pm. Those wishing to take public transport can visit Transperth Journey Planner for the easiest way there.
Perth Now
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Major sporting event at Optus to cause traffic delays
The battle to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place tonight at Optus Stadium and Main Roads WA is encouraging the public to stay safe - whether driving, ride sharing or taking public transport. Main Roads advised the public to be aware of increased foot traffic and frequently stopping vehicles in the Burswood sporting precinct and surrounds before and after the big clash. Punters were also encourages to take up the offer of free public transport included in the ticket price as tow away zones would be in place. Transperth advises the public that direct trains and the Suburban Event Bus Network would not operate before the match but would come into operation 45 minutes after the end of the game. The ride share drop off spot is Sailani Avenue, East Perth, encouraging the use of the Matagarup Bridge. The do or die clash between Australia and Japan will take the winner a step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup - a competition to be held across three venues for the first time, the United States, Canada and Mexico next year. Gates to Optus Stadium open at 5:15pm with kick off at 7pm. Those wishing to take public transport can visit Transperth Journey Planner for the easiest way there. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sad scene in the middle of a busy Aussie highway prompts 1km backflip
A grim video has emerged of what some locals have deemed a 'death trap' in the middle of a busy Aussie highway, prompting a surprise response from road authorities. Dean Arthurell was recently travelling on the Tonkin Highway near Ellenbrook, a suburb about 30 minutes north of Perth, when he saw several endangered black Carnaby's cockatoos feasting on banksias planted in the fenced centre refuge. While he first spotted the greenery when it was added about five years ago as part of a multi-million dollar upgrade, the founder of Carnaby's Crusaders told Yahoo News it wasn't until recently he noticed cockatoos were risking their lives to reach the now mature plants. 'They're producing banksia cones so that's why they've obviously come to my attention, and obviously the birds' attention, because they're producing food,' Arthurell said, adding he believes the shrubs are banksia prionotes, which are a significant food source for the species. 'In a time where there is really lean food sources, to have an abundance of a key food source that stretches over 1km down the middle of a four-lane highway is a bit criminal.' Arthurell said the section in question sits in a 100km/h zone, baiting birds to 'run the gauntlet' and dodge cars and large trucks in order to reach the sustenance. Remarkably, in light of the video, Main Roads told Yahoo News it has agreed to prune back the plants immediately and ensure their "total removal" soon after. ☀️ Major weather event prompts behavioural change in Aussie birds 🌳 Rare Aussie bird under threat over common tree practice: 'Catastrophic' 🚘 Driver has 'seriously freaky' encounter as huge snake blocks road In an effort to draw attention to the 'clueless' landscaping, the bird advocate posted footage of two Carnaby's cockatoos precariously perched in between vehicles whizzing past in both directions. The clip quickly angered thousands of locals, with many calling for the 'dangerous' plants to be removed. And it seems, Main Roads WA is paying attention. Arthurell told Yahoo he received a call from authorities on Wednesday confirming contractors had been hired to remove the banksia cones that are attracting the birds. The work is expected to take place over the next few days, and the cuttings will be transported to a black cockatoo rehabilitation centre, he claimed. "Main Roads was alerted, via a Facebook post, regarding Black Cockatoos foraging along Tonkin Highway in Ellenbrook," a spokesperson told Yahoo, explaining that the presence of the trees "had not been an issue" until recently. "This is likely due to the plants not being old enough to flower as prolifically as they are now, as well as the lack of food availability in the local area for Black Cockatoos (especially given the last two very dry years we have experienced). "As the flowering Dwarf Banksias at this location are attracting these important birds to fly across Tonkin Highway, Main Roads has arranged for the Dwarf Banksias to be heavily pruned back immediately, followed by the total removal of all foraging species from the median and the edges of the verge. Main Roads said it will be donating the pruned branches to the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre to support their rehabilitation work. Arthurell said, "It's great" that Main Roads listened to public outcry about the banksias. The state's southwest is home to three threatened black cockatoo species: the endangered Carnaby's cockatoo, the critically endangered Baudin's cockatoo and the Forest Red-tailed black cockatoo, which is listed as vulnerable. Conservationists have warned that if declining numbers are not turned around, all three could be extinct within 20 years. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
