GEPPS CROSS INTERSECTION

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:20): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking questions of the Leader of the Government, representing the Minister for Transport, about the Gepps Cross intersection.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: The recent opening of the Northern Expressway has resulted in a much larger number of vehicles entering or leaving the Gepps Cross intersection on Port Wakefield Road in comparison to the number on the section of Main North Road north of Grand Junction Road. This has significantly altered the previous situation which featured a significant weighting of the traffic light synchronisation in favour of the flow of traffic using Main North Road either side of Grand Junction Road.

As well as my own personal experience, many commuters have told me of significant delays, particularly when approaching the intersection on Port Wakefield Road during morning peak hour. Some have told me of having to endure six traffic light rotations before proceeding across the intersection. My questions are:

1. What work, if any, has been undertaken by the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure to measure the change in traffic patterns at the Gepps Cross intersection and its surrounding road corridors and intersections?

2. Did DTEI anticipate the change in volumes of traffic arriving at Gepps Cross on Port Wakefield Road as a result of the opening of the Northern Expressway?

3. Will the minister seek a change in the synchronisation of the traffic lights at Gepps Cross as a matter of urgency?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management) (15:22): I thank the honourable member for his question. Obviously they are matters which I will need to refer to the Minister for Transport in the other place and get back with a response. I indicate that, with the opening of the Northern Expressway, I think anyone who has been on that road could not help being impressed with the quality of construction of that road. It certainly will be a great addition to reducing transport times for people living in those outer northern suburbs. I am sure that the transport department will be examining the consequences of that opening in relation to its impact on intersections further down the road, but I will refer the question to the minister and bring back a reply.