Dangerous Capes roads and intersections remain unresolved despite RAC’s 2022 warning

The Capes region’s most dangerous intersections have still not been addressed despite warnings two years ago, says the RAC. The RAC identified some of regional WA’s most dangerous roads in 2022 as part of its Risky Roads campaign, which included three locations in the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta-Margaret River. Two years later, progress remains stalled on two of the intersections while the third is still under construction. This month’s review found not even planning work had been started on safety improvements to the Caves Road and Yallingup Beach Road intersection at the entry to the coastal community. The RAC found the intersection gave drivers little chance to turn and cross traffic and suggested either a roundabout or traffic lights be installed. The Bussell Highway and Memorial Drive intersection in Cowaramup was found to have similar issues, with the narrow lanes increasing the problem. The RAC acknowledged the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River had appointed a consultant to prepare a transport strategy to consider issues along the stretch of Bussell Highway through the town, which had also been identified as dangerous. The most progress had been made on the Bussell Highway and Sues Road intersection in Yalyalup, which was highlighted for its crossing and speed issues. Works are currently under way at the location as part of the duplication of Bussell Highway between Capel and Busselton, with a roundabout set to be installed at Sues Road. Further north, RAC said work had been completed to make the Bussell Highway and southern Capel Drive intersection in Capel safer. RAC external relations general manager Will Golsby said while many areas had received major improvements, there were still places in desperate need of safety upgrades. “It is worrying that many areas of concern remain unfunded, including several risky regional intersections the community have nominated,” he said. “In some cases, it appears works are not even planned.” Mr Golsby said it was critical Governments continued to invest in road safety to prevent deaths and injuries on WA roads.