GEPPS CROSS INTERSECTION

In reply to the Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (30 September 2010) (First Session).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure has advised:

1. The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) (previously Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI)) continually collects traffic data via its computerised traffic management system. The Gepps Cross intersection and over 800 other sites across the metropolitan area are connected to and controlled by this system, providing signal co-ordination along key arterial roads. It is a dynamic system that continually measures traffic flows and adjusts the time available for each traffic movement.

2. DPTI planned for the change in traffic flows following the opening of the Northern Expressway by monitoring and adjusting the operation of the Gepps Cross intersection during the first two weeks. In addition, a new traffic signal coordination scheme for the upgraded section of Port Wakefield Road between Waterloo Corner Road and Salisbury Highway was implemented in October 2010. The traffic signal operation and coordination are reviewed regularly and the route is functioning efficiently.

3. The operation of the traffic signals at the Gepps Cross intersection, along the route and adjacent roads is continually monitored. Traffic flows for Port Wakefield Road traffic at the intersection have been improved considerably since the opening of the Northern Expressway. The on-going monitoring indicates that traffic patterns have stabilised and the network is functioning as expected.

It should be noted that road users are choosing different routes during the construction of the South Road Superway and patterns will change again when the road works are completed.

As with all other sites across Adelaide if traffic patterns change, the appropriate traffic signal operation changes are made to ensure the optimal traffic movement is maintained.