State Government Announces Countdown Timers for Walkers/Cyclists at Three Intersections

Freo BUG says ‘a great start’ but more required

As we reported recently, the Freo BUG are wanting to see improved infrastructure around Freo for walkers and cyclists, not only during the pending February 12 month closure of the Traffic Bridge but also once it is completed.

Main Roads WA has now advised the State Government has announced that pedestrian and cyclist crossings at three major intersections on Stirling Highway will be upgraded with signals (countdown timers), improving access and safety.

These upgrades are designed to ‘help people consider alternative modes of travel during the bridge closure’, which is expected to be in place for up to 12 months.

Stirling Highway and Marmion Street Intersection

New timers at all four corners, are to be installed to benefit locals and school children attending East Fremantle Primary and John Curtin College of the Arts.

Figure 1: Pedestrian Countdown Timers at Marmion Street and Stirling Highway.

Stirling Highway and Tydeman Road Intersection

In the Christmas holidays, new timers will be installed here (diagram below).

Figure 2: Upgraded pedestrian crossing at Tydeman Road and Stirling Highway

Stirling Highway and Canning Highway Intersection

In January 2026, new timers will be installed at all four corners and slip lanes; median islands will be widened to provide more space for users (diagram below).

Figure 3: Upgraded pedestrian crossing at Canning Highway and Stirling Highway.

Freo BUG comments

The Freo BUG tell us they are ‘delighted’ to hear about the ‘minor improvements’ for people walking at some intersections during the bridge closure – and say ‘it is a great start!’

The Freo BUG adds that, unfortunately what is proposed is nowhere near what is needed, as a pedestrian countdown timer will not make a difference as to whether the place you cross is safe or not. And if you don’t have a safe route to get to the new pedestrian timer in the first place – it won’t help at all.

The Freo BUG emphasise that what they are asking for safe, accessible walking, wheeling and riding routes that connect North Fremantle to the broader Fremantle area. This includes safe, connected and accessible paths and crossings, adequate lighting, and ensuring that crossing areas are not obstructed by people driving so that they are safe to use along the entire length of the detour.

The Freo BUG says –

‘We are calling on the government to urgently address safety for the most vulnerable users, people walking, wheeling and riding, across the network. This attention has been paid to ensure people driving can continue to do so safely and efficiently. People walking, wheeling and riding are already struggling with the lack of safe, accessible routes – we don’t think it should wait until it is worse before giving it some serious attention.’

We suspect many folk around Freo, especially avid walkers and frequent bike riders, will express support for the ideas of Freo BUG.

By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News

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