In light of a range of works recently notified to us by Main Roads WA relating to the new Freo Traffic Bridge construction, such as our recent post Annoying but Necessary, we asked Main Roads if they could explain to our readers just how the intersection and signals modifications they’ve been carrying out are connected to the bridge works.
Here’s one of the intersections recently modified, at High and East Streets, Freo.
And here’s Main Roads WA’s helpful advice.
The recent works you’ve noticed are part of the broader set of road network modifications announced by the Deputy Premier during a site visit in May.
These changes aim to help keep Stirling Highway and surrounding roads moving efficiently during the upcoming traffic bridge closure. You can find more detail in the documents we released in May:
To minimise disruption to daytime traffic, most works required to implement the changes are being done at night and are being progressively staged in the lead-up to the closure. The following is a summary of what’s happening and why:
Traffic Monitoring Enhancements
- CCTV installation: Enables Main Roads’ Road Network Operations Centre to monitor traffic in real time and adjust signals as needed.
- Signal and loop works: Includes underboring and conduit installation to embed traffic detector loops in the road surface.
Signal Modifications
- Installation of new signal poles and line marking to support traffic flows during closure.
- Signal phase changes to improve intersection efficiency.
- Dedicated right-turn arrows added at key locations (e.g. Stirling/Marmion northbound and southbound).
Lane Configuration Changes
- Extended right-turn pocket from Stirling Highway southbound into Marmion Street.
- Additional lane on High Street westbound between East and Ord Streets into Fremantle.
- Removal of right-turn arrow from High Street eastbound into Ord Street.
Intersection Improvements
- Temporary roundabouts at Marmion Street / East Street and Stirling Street / Ord Street to improve traffic flow and safety.
- Roundabout metering at High Street/Stirling Highway: traffic signals will be installed on roundabout approaches and will activate only during peak periods or incidents to help manage congestion.
- Pedestrian crossing upgrades, including new Walk/Don’t Walk lanterns at Stirling/Marmion.
These changes have been carefully planned and tested to work together as a system, aiming to reduce delays and improve safety during the bridge closure period.
As to the right turn into Marmion Street off Stirling Highway when driving south, taking you to East Street, about which FSN expressed surprise to Main Roads, Main Roads WA provided this explanation –
The intent of the road network changes is to keep Stirling Highway moving. While the current turn pocket typically does not block traffic, it is anticipated that during the closure, vehicles turning right may block Stirling Highway, causing more congestion. Extending the turning pocket will result in more capacity for vehicles turning west into Marmion Street, allowing Stirling Highway to continue to flow. It is highly likely that vehicles will use alternative routes as they travel in and out of Fremantle during the bridge closure.
By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News.
~ If you’d like to COMMENT on this or any of our stories, don’t hesitate to email our Editor.
~ WHILE YOU’RE HERE –
PLEASE HELP US TO GROW FREMANTLE SHIPPING NEWS
FSN is a reader-supported, volunteer-assisted online magazine all about Fremantle. Thanks for helping to keep FSN keeping on!
