Western Australia’s road planning authority is hoping to sink parts of the Charles street thoroughfare near the Perth CBD in a bid to reduce congestion and make the area more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists.
Key points:
- Main Roads WA is proposing lowering parts of Charles Street to ease congestion
- The project has been flagged as a long-term initiative and is unfunded
- Some properties could be acquired to widen the road
The plan, released by Main Roads WA, would see ‘duck and dive intersections’ built where the road cuts through Vincent street, Scarborough Beach road and the Green-Walcott-Wiluna streets intersection.
Below-ground roads will take Charles street traffic under the three intersections and out the other side.
In a concept video, put online this week, a spokeswoman said the road was “under pressure” and expected to get busier amid a surging population.
“Today Charles street is a four-lane predominantly undivided road,” the video’s voiceover said.
“It is congested with limited places for pedestrians or cyclists to cross, as well as an unattractive corridor to walk along or wait for buses.
“Given the constraint nature of Charles street, it was necessary to develop creative solutions.”
The project is not yet funded and no time line has been set.
WA’s first duck and dive intersection at Armadale road and Solomon road was completed late…