The Great Eastern Highway has been voted one of the State’s riskiest regional roads in a survey undertaken by the community.
The road came in at number two on the list which was released by RAC on Wednesday, February 15.
The Lakes in the Mundaring Shire and the stretch from Northam through Merredin to Southern Cross were named the most problematic areas.
The main issues raised were the lack of overtaking opportunities, narrow roads, lanes or bridges and tight curves or blind crests.
The Great Southern Highway from York to Cranbrook was also high on the list for the same reasons.
RAC general manager corporate affairs, Will Golsby, said the survey across regional and metropolitan WA received more than 6,000 nominations. “There is over 187,000 kilometres of road in Western Australia and no one knows it better than the people who drive, ride, cycle or walk on it every day,” Mr Golsby said.
“Western Australia has an $845 million road maintenance backlog and also has one of the worst road fatality rates in the country.
“Last year, 194 Western Australians died on our roads, with many more seriously injured. “This was our worst year in eight years. Our road fatality rate has gone from being one of the best in the country to one of the worst, with the effects of road trauma estimated to cost WA $6.6 billion each year.”
Mr Golsby said RAC is calling on the government to address WA road issues in the next State Election.
“We are also calling for the funds in the Road Trauma Trust Account, which was last reported to have $95 million unspent, to be allocated to road safety projects across the State,” he said.
Other roads high on the list include:
- Albany Highway, Albany to Bannister
- Indian Ocean Drive, Lancelin to Dongara
- Great Northern Highway, Muchea to Bindoon
- Bussell Highway, Capel
- South Coast Highway, Cheynes to Jerdacuttup
- Brand Highway, Arrowsmith to South Greenough
Mr Golsby said the campaign aims to encourage community members to voice their concerns about dangerous regional roads and intersections with relevant authorities to get them fixed and ultimately try to save lives.
To review the full list of nominated regional roads and intersections go to visit rac.com.au/givemetime.