The extension of Somerville Drive onto Robertson Drive

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Category: News

Published on Thursday, 15 March 2012 12:23

Written by Administrator

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Below is a copy of an email that I sent to the Main Roads Dept, John Castrilli and Nola Marino on the 15th March. I have replies from Main Roads and Mr Castrilli but no response from Miss Marino.

I live on Somerville Drive, College Grove in Bunbury and I'm concerned about the proposed extension of the street to join up with Robertson Drive. I would be most grateful if you could answer the following questions for me.

1. How are you proposing to stop non-residential traffic using the street as a short-cut/rat-run between Robertson Drive and Bussell Highway? The street already appears as a through road on some GPS units. Are we going to have heavy vehicles, caravans, boats etc. trying to negotiate their way through the existing small traffic islands? I've already personally seen a B-Double car transporter trying to get through to Robertson Drive.

2. If extra traffic passes through the estate it will only exacerbate the already serious problem of exiting Somerville Drive onto the Bussell Highway; particularly at rush hour, long weekends etc.

3. What are the proposals to allow College Grove traffic out onto the dual carriageway of Robertson Drive? Will there be traffic lights, a traffic island or a "kamikaze like run" similar to the current Bussell Highway exit?

4. Is the realigning of Somerville Drive with Washington Avenue going to be done at the same time as the extension or is this still a pipe dream?

5. What are the proposals to slow through traffic to the 50kph speed limit?

There is already a problem with speeding and hooning in the vicinity of my house.  Speed humps create unwanted noise for the houses close by and chicanes are a waste of time, as many drivers attempt to get through them as fast as they are able.

As you are probably aware, College Grove is a quiet family orientated estate containing many families with young children, so serious consideration needs to be given to safety and the probable increase in traffic noise.

6. Are the proposed plans available to the public?

I look forward to your reply.

Many thanks

Main Roads response...

I refer to your email to Main Roads requesting information regarding Somerville Drive connection to Robertson Drive.

I am aware that John Castrilli MLA has responded providing advice that Bunbury City Council are responsible for this connection and provided advice as to funding arrangements.

I also advise that responsibility for the extension of Somerville Drive to Robertson Drive lies with the City of Bunbury and you should contact the City for advice as to progress and likely timeframe. In addition Somerville Drive is a local road under the care and control of Bunbury City Council and your concerns with traffic management and traffic speed should also be directed to the City.

I can advise that the Somerville Drive connection to Robertson Drive will be controlled by traffic signals and provide a much needed second access into College Grove giving residents an alternate access and reducing the traffic exiting at Bussell Hwy thus improving the current situation. In addition the second access will provide enhanced safety for College Grove in the event of bushfire or should the only current entry to College Grove at Bussell Hwy be closed in an emergency event.

Your concerns that the new link may create a rat-run are noted however whilst the new link will be marginally shorter than using Robertson Drive and Bussell Hwy it will have a longer travel time and as such it is unlikely that regular users will find this attractive. Your concerns that GPS users will be directed into Somerville Drive are also noted and should this become as issue it is possible to consider signage to indicate Somerville Drive is for local traffic only. Main Roads will liaise with the City of Bunbury regarding this issue as part of the connection works. I trust the above covers your major concerns.

Brett Belstead
Director South West Operations

John Castrilli's response...

Thank you for your email. I understand the City of Bunbury will be preparing documents for the public once the land swap has been finalised and they have their funds. These documents will answer many of your questions.

The funding I have been working to get for Council is to enable them to complete the extension of Somerville Drive onto Robertson Drive - providing a second exit which has always been part of the College Grove suburb plan and a very important requirement - AND the realignment of Somerville to join up with the Washington/Bussell Highway lights. I am very aware of the great angst that College Grove residents have suffered trying to access Bussell Highway, particularly at peak times.

All suburban roads are 50km (unless otherwise specified) and the majority of people have respect for the law. Unfortunately, no matter which suburb we live in, there are always a percentage that flaunt the laws. I agree with you that traffic management devices such as speed bumps and chicanes only seem to offer the hoons with a new challenge to overcome. I strongly believe it is the current culture that we need to change. This is why I have been working hard with the Choose Respect program where we are attempting to foster a culture of respect in our community.

The program is having some very positive and powerful results in our schools and is now beginning to have a flow on effect back into the homes and into the wider community. While I appreciate it is not likely to change the attitude of our current hoons, I certainly am hopeful that we will start to see an improvement in the level of care and consideration our next generation of drivers give to others and our community.

Thanks again for your email.

Best wishes John

John Castrilli
MEMBER FOR BUNBURY