Great Southern Highway in Brookton, Hyden intersection named among regional WA’s top 10 riskiest

A stretch of Great Southern Highway in Brookton and a notorious intersection in Hyden have been named in RAC’s top 10 risky roads and intersections in regional WA. RAC’s Risky Roads Survey — released on Tuesday—received more than 10,000 nominations from WA residents identifying the most troublesome major highways and dangerous intersections in the state. Great Southern Highway between York and Brookton came in at number seven on the top 10 risky roads in regional WA list. The stretch of highway was highlighted for its narrow road, lanes or bridges as well as the poor road surface quality and lack of overtaking opportunities. The East Hyden Bin Road and Hyden-Lake King Road intersection was named the eighth-riskiest intersection in regional WA. The intersection was noted as having little chance to turn or cross traffic, lacking overtaking opportunities and for its narrow roads, lanes or bridges. The intersection needs clearer markings or signage as tourists often miss the turn-off then attempt to turn around on a blind bend creating a dangerous situation for all road users, according to the survey results. The riskiest road in regional WA was South Western Highway between Bunbury and Walpole for its narrow road, tight curves or blind crests and lack of overtaking spots. The Albany Highway and South Coast Highway intersection — including the Chester Pass roundabout — was voted as the riskiest intersection in regional WA for a second time running for its confusing layout. RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby said the feedback from the survey would amplify calls for road safety improvement. “Of our 10 riskiest intersections, the top two have already received commitments for infrastructure upgrades, and a reduced speed limit is being trialled on Bussell Highway in Capel, following a strong community campaign,” he said. “The feedback from this survey will continue to amplify our calls for safer roads across regional WA, as we work with government and road safety agencies to address community concerns.” Mr Golsby said it was encouraging to see so many WA regional residents having their say. “Too many people are killed and seriously injured on country roads every day and through this survey the people of regional WA have made a strong statement in the fight for better roads,” he said. “No one knows our roads better than the people who drive, ride, walk or cycle on them every day – whether it’s a confusing layout, or a speed limit that’s too high.” In the Wheatbelt region in 2021, 166 people were killed or seriously injured on the roads, according to the Road Safety Commission. There have been 55 fatalities on WA regional roads as of August 1, 2022. Mr Golsby said regional WA was consistently over-represented in road trauma. “Someone is killed or seriously injured on our roads every five hours,” he said. “More than 60 per cent of the State’s road fatalities occur in regional WA, despite it being home to just 20 per cent of the population. “Initiatives like RAC Risky Roads, which give the community a voice, are crucial in shining a light on the areas of greatest concern.”