Published on 05 May 2016
Crossing a busy section of Cambridge Street will soon be much safer following the modification of the intersection with Oxford close. Due to be complete by Friday 6 May, the works are intended to encourage safer driving in the surrounding area as well as bringing a safe haven to pedestrians crossing at the intersection.
The works have been developed in partnership with the Public Transport Authority who contributed $55,000 to the project, following a significant increase in pedestrian traffic after the opening of the West Leederville Green Cat Bus Station.
The island is frequently used by pedestrians from areas of West Leederville and Subiaco, including Perth Modern high school students, making the works particularly important.
Historically, the intersection involved pedestrians seeking refuge on a narrow island median strip and waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic, with the existing signalised crossing being too far out of the way for those wishing to walk down Oxford Close.
The new island involves a 6 metre wide landing space, complete with a barrier fence both north and south to encourage pedestrians to walk to where there is a better line of sight to oncoming traffic.
The works also include the installation of a drinking fountain on the eastern side of Oxford Close, near Cambridge Street, as an incentive for pedestrians to cross where it is safest.