Road resurfacing works at Goulds Road

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be resurfacing a section of Goulds Road adjacent to Foskew Road in Narngulu, with works scheduled to commence on Monday 29 January 2018 for a period of approximately three weeks.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7am to 6pm.

Main Roads WA has allocated $1,198,667 this financial year through the Mid West Regional Road Groups Road Project Grant Program for roadworks within the City of Greater Geraldton Municipality.

Traffic Management will be in place during this time; business operators, motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from the authorised City personnel and contactors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

It is time to fix this intersection

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Update 4:20pm 30 May 2017 - Statement from Police:

On Sunday 28 May 2017 a traffic crash occurred at 11:35am at intersection of North West Coast Highway and Hosken Streets in Bluff Point.

18 year old female driver (drving Suzuki Vitara) from Mount Tarcoola was stopped at the intersection preparing to make a right turn. The other vehicle (Toyota Hilux) was being driven by 28 year old female driver from Waggrakine, travelling in the left turning lane to turn off the highway into Hoskin Street.

The Vitara proceeded into the intersection crossing and collided with the Hilux. As a result the Vitara crossed the lanes, mounted the kerb and collided with a street sign before coming to rest off the road. 

Both vehicles have extensive damage as a result of the impact.

The 18 year old was extracted by FESA and  conveyed to Geraldton Regional Hospital for treatment to her legs after being injured during the crash.  

Driver of the Vitara has been charged with:

(1)    Fail to give way to oncoming vehicle or pedestrian on terminating road or near intersection

Note: The footage below seems to contradict the statement from the Police that the Hilux intended on turning left. We have asked for clarification.

As you may have heard, there was yet another car accident at the Hosken St / North West Coastal Highway intersection in the Geraldton suburb of Bluff Point on Sunday. 

Footage of the incident

Editor's note: While we're mindful of the general distaste for images of car accidents felt by much of the community, given the widespread calls for safety improvements at this intersection for many years, and in the interest of bringing attention to the problem, we have decided to publish this footage that was provided to us. 

Members of the Geraldton community shared information regarding the incident. 

Everything Geraldton has also contacted the Geraldton Police regarding the incident.

Why hasn't this intersection been fixed yet?

In September last year EG published a short article on this intersection following a near miss that could have ended badly. Click here to read.

Responding to that article, MLA Ian Blayney, the member for Geraldton in state parliament, wrote:

"I've been working on this for a while. Main Roads are ready to start on it, but have been held up because the City want to consider a new intersection at Mitchell St/ NWCHwy. If this happens, Main Roads will have to reconsider what they do at Hosken St. I have been working on it, the solution is ready, funds are in place."

Everything Geraldton spoke with Mr Blayney today regarding the intersection. While his party is no longer in government, Mr Blayney is still the member for Geraldton. Mr Blayney reiterated his comments from last year, confirming that hold-ups to the improvements were because of pending decisions regarding developments on the Spalding side of the highway. 

What is the new government doing?

Darren West, MLC for the Agricultural Region sent Everything Geraldton a Letter to the Editor in September 2016 regarding the known danger the road posed, and his efforts to get the problem addressed. Click here to read. In the article he asserted that the intersection "was listed in the RAC’s Risky Roads Survey, October 2015 Report Card at number two for dangerous intersections in Regional WA." The letter also included references to a 2014 Geraldton Guardian article on the intersection. Mr West is referenced in the article as campaigning for improvements for the intersection. 

Now that Labor has formed government, Everything Geraldton contacted Darren West to discuss the intersection. 

"I was pleading with previous government. Now we're in government it's a priority to get it fixed. We will be instructing Main Roads (to improve the intersection) and looking at the most cost effective way at remediating and making that intersection safer."

Mr West floated the idea of possibly lowering the speed limit for parts of the day, similar to what has been done on some Perth roads. 

"I'd really like this time next year to have this intersection sorted out, with whatever treatment is cost effective."

 

Where does the City of Greater Geraldton stand?

Everything Geraldton also contacted the City of Greater Geraldton. We spoke with Mayor Shane Van Styn about the intersection. 

Mayor Van Styn emphasised that the intersection in question was the responsibility of the state government. He mentioned the CGG's ongoing campaign to have Main Roads open up the Mitchell Street intersection, with traffic lights, and granting better access to Spalding. 

"The City has a position that for the safety of both traffic and pedestrian, opening up Mitchell St (should be a priority). But the road is a state road, and is an entire matter for the state government."

He also expressed concerns should a roundabout be installed at Hosken Street, and the consequences of trucks trying to use it. 

"They need to look at the area holistically," says Van Styn. "If they were serious about fixing the traffic on NWCH they’d get on with building the inner bypass, which Ian Blayney opposes. We’d divert heavy traffic from as far back as Rudds Gully Rd, connecting to an extended Webberton Road."

"Too often state governments apply bandaid solutions to North West Coastal Highway instead of getting on with the job of building the inner bypass."

Mr Van Styn spoke about the CGG's efforts to try and revitalise Spalding. "The bigger picture with Spalding is it's hard to get in and out of. We see Mitchell St as a bigger part of urban planning." 

I questioned whether the inner bypass or lights at Mitchell Street would do anything to fix the issues at Hosken St, such as the blind spots created by cars turning left from NWCH onto Hosken. "You could ban right hand turns at Hosken St (onto NWCH). You can't go straight there anyway. If you signalised Mitchell St and banned right turns at Hosken, that solves the problem."

Here's an update on that really dodgy bit of North West Coastal Highway

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If you've driven through the northern part of Geraldton near the Homemaker Centre along North West Coastal Highway within the last couple of months, you would have noticed the terrible state of the road. 

Many drivers have complained about the damage it is doing to their vehicles, especially in hot weather when the road literally melts. 

We asked Main Roads when the situation was going to be fixed:

When are repairs to this section of road to be carried out?

"Resurfacing works commence on the 9 December, with completion scheduled on the 19 December 2016."

What is the cause of the road being in such poor condition?

"Pavement repairs were applied to this section of the highway in June this year. Due to the cold weather, it appears the bitumen did not adequately bond to the gravel pavement and Main Roads will now move to permanently repair the damage."

Someone with a sense of humour added this sign recently, which accurately sums up the situation. 

Thanks Marissa Drummond for the picture. 

And here's some video of the road coming apart. 

Police calling for witnesses following fatal crash

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 BONNIEFIELD FATAL CRASH

Police are seeking the public’s assistance for information regarding a fatal crash that occurred yesterday, Sunday 30 October 2016 in Bonniefield.

At approximately 4pm, a silver coloured Holden Calais sedan was travelling north on the Brand Highway when the vehicle left the road and collided with a tree.

The impact was severe and the male driver was thrown from the vehicle, sustaining critical injuries. The man in his 30s died at the scene.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the crash, or the Holden Calais prior to the crash.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au

Turns out paying too much attention to your speed actually makes you a more dangerous driver: Study

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Researchers from the University of Western Australia have conducted a study on the effects of concentration and fatigue on drivers who were instructed to stay at the speed limit. 

In a nutshell, drivers were in simulators and told they would be fined if they went 1 km/hr over the speed limit. 

The effect on their concentration levels was akin to being on a mobile phone. 

When drivers were told they would be fined if they went 6 or 11km/hr over the limit, their ability to concentrate improved. 

It appears the added pressure of constantly monitoring your speedometer actually makes you a more dangerous driver. 

The research throws into question the strategy used by WA Police and the State Government in rolling out more and more hidden and permanent speed cameras around WA, and whether these efforts are actually making the roads more dangerous, because drivers are spending more effort monitoring their speed than detecting road hazards. 

Click here to read more from The West Australian. 

Click here to read more from the ABC. 

New Fixed Speedcamera on Indian Ocean Drive

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From the "Lancelin" FB page:

NEW FIXED SPEED CAMERA

This flash looking speed camera was recently installed on Indian Ocean Drive, a hundred metres north west of the Sovereign Hill estate turn-off. 

It targets traffic travelling towards Perth and as part of the installation, new armco has been installed to protect the 2+m high unit.

Be warned that if you're doing over the 110km/hr, you may well be a candidate for a speeding fine.

There's also another video camera trained on this installation just out of the shot.

Lots of rock throwing reports today

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The most recent was about 10 minutes ago: 

 "... male throwing rocks at cars on Abraham street just past back of Cemetery 😡"

A few hours ago:

"Heads up guys. Bunch of teenagers throwing Large rocks at cars/trucks on gtn/mt magnet road, near limestone wall.

They hit the car infront of me, just missed my car. I also had my 8 yr old brother with me! 😑

2nd time in 2 weeks I've witnessed this!

Those kids will be bloody sorry when it actually kills someone! Or a child!

Such a shame it will have to come to that before they realise and before anything will be done about it! 😠" 

Earlier today rocks thrown at SES vehicle: 

 "Ok people if you are turning off the Northwest Coastal Highway into Utakarra Rd be careful there is little brats throwing Rocks again,we were in our STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE VEHICLE and had rocks thrown at us"

This was from a week or so ago: 

"I've waited a few days before I wrote this otherwise it would be full of abuse and anger, but on Saturday as I was driving on the highway near Utakarra my car was hit by 3 rocks that were thrown out of the bushes.

Now I can go on about the cost of repairs but the fact is if one of the rocks hit 10cm higher it would have smashed through the window into my babies head and THIS is what I can't put a price on.

I'm hoping that maybe these people might read this and realise the real danger and the potential cost in this game they play."

Hoons along 5th St risking lives - Letter to the Editor

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Hello,

I have a concern that I would like to share. I live on Fifth St Wonthella, I also have a 2 year old, there are 3 little children across the road from me, another toddler 2 doors down and even more kids along our street. I was just in my kitchen cooking my family dinner, when a faded cherry red Land Rover Discovery came through the roundabout ( I am right near there), the vehicle would have been travelling at at least 80+ km. This is not a one off incident, people speed down this road daily and gun it through the roundabout. Although it's a busy artery it does not mean that this sort of driving is acceptable. We have fences and locked gates, I am vigilant and do not let my child out of my sight. This sort of speed that occurs daily will kill any body that happens to be on the road. Please spread the word for people to slow down, we live here, it is not a race track! And to the person in the Land Rover, if I see you vehicle again doing this I outside my home I will be reporting you for dangerous driving. Thanks, on behalf of the little people of Fifth St x

 - Gillian.  

An apology for some high speed driving on Brand Hwy

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"Just to say sorry to all the cars I blew past in my Jeep earlier today on the Brand Highway, Tarcoola. My wife contacted me on the phone, she had had an accident at home and was laying in the backyard and couldn't get up. I was near CGG Council Chambers so I knew I could get to her faster than the Ambos, so I put my boot into it to get to her. Also thanks to the guy travelling west on Bellimos Drive who stopped to give me a helping hand with her. cheers mate. and yes she is ok, bit of bark off and a bit sore and sorry. So once again apologies to all, not normally the way I drive."

- L

Thanks Dongara Police - "They were waiting on the highway for him"

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"A community thank you to the Dongara Police. We are driving to Perth and some maniac was aggressively tailgating us at 110km speed within a metre or two of our bumper (and then proceeded to tailgate those in front of us). We were about 30km north of Dongara so I called ahead and notified the police about the car. They were waiting on the highway for him and had pulled him over as we passed. Fantastic response time!"

This suggestion for suspending licences is actually brilliant

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We've published a couple of stories recently on that dangerous intersection at Hosken and NWCH. 

Here's the first. 

And here's a letter from a local Labor politician who says he's been nagging the Liberal National government about this intersection for years.

It's true that accidents could be avoided if people weren't idiots and never pulled out when they couldn't see. 

But we don't live in that reality. We live in a reality where we need roundabouts and traffic lights. 

But one local has a suggestion on creating a new law for removing someone's drivers licence that might make the roads safer:

Ryan Eastough : I use this intersection every day at least 2wice its a shocker , im carefull on both bike and car and havent had an incident but iv seen so many near misses that have really frightened me for those involved , mainly people lacking in driving skills ,but in this day and age we have to protect the stupid as well because " natural selection " is no longer tolerated and licences are hard to take back once given out unless it's drunk driving or hoon laws maybe there should also be an " ur just an unco useless driver , hand ur licence back because ur dangerous clause "

Sounds good to us.

Seeing how there's no transport minister in WA, Mr Blayney can you fix this intersection for us?

Regarding that deadly intersection at Hosken St - Letter to the Editor

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Dear Editor

Hosken Street Intersection

I was most concerned to read of your near miss accident at the intersection of Hosken Street and North West Coastal Highway.

It may come as no surprise that this intersection was listed in the RAC’s Risky Roads Survey, October 2015 Report Card at number two for dangerous intersections in Regional WA.

I have been calling on the Barnett Liberal National Government to address this problem since December 2014 following an approach by residents, extremely worried for their safety and the safety of their children.

I wrote to the then Minister for Transport and have asked many questions in the Parliament since, most recently in June this year.  On each occasion I have been told that plans are either not finalised or are still being considered.

Just how long is the community expected to wait to have this matter resolved? It is not good enough.

I only hope we will see a positive outcome and soon before something very serious happens at this dangerous intersection.

Darren West MLC

MEMBER FOR AGRICULTURAL REGION

 

Link to original article "This Intersection is Deadly"

 

Positive feedback on Gero drivers from a visitor

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I had a recent trip to Gero and whilst working as a relief Traffic Warden, I found the need to commend Gero drives for their consideration and courtesy on the roads. I am pleasantly surprised at the habit I noted of some driving SUVs and larger vehicles who actually stop slightly back from a road junction to let the smaller vehicles SEE AROUND THEM! AWESOME! Everyone who drives a car knows how frustrating it is trying to see around these larger vehicles...much safer too! Oh, and the parking bays at most shops are larger too! Thumbs up Gero :D

- Di Neil

This intersection is deadly

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To be clear, if drivers never made mistakes there'd be no accidents here.  

But they don't. Humans make mistakes. Our brains make our bodies do dumb things. Whatever. There's no point trying to make 10,000 drivers magically get better at driving. This intersection needs fixing.

I'm talking about the North West Coastal Highway and Hosken St intersection in Bluff Point.   

As I cruised North along NWCH last night, a truck next to me in the left lane turned left into Hosken. A black commodore turning right out of Hosken St decided to pull onto the NWCH despite not having superpowers that allowed them to see through trucks. 

I nearly T boned them.  

The worst thing is this isn't the first time this has happened to me there.  

I probably avoided the accident because I was wary that some idiot would pull out.

And running Everything Geraldton for the last 4 years I've reported way too many car accidents at this intersection for my liking. 

To Ian Blayney and Dean Nalder - Please get this intersection improved ASAP. 

In the mean time, if you can't see if the road is clear, for the love of God don't pull out.  

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