Near misses and crashes drive action at notorious intersection

More than $1.2 million will be pumped into modifying a notoriously dangerous intersection in Broome.

The Hamersley Street and Napier Terrace junction has was the site of four injury vehicle crashes in the five years to 2014, and many near misses.

The existing median islands from Napier Terrace (west), Napier Terrace (east) and the Shell service station will be expanded and pedestrian barrier fences will be installed.

The right-turn lane from Hamersley Street to Napier Terrace (east) will be extended and a right lane from the Shell service station will be created.

The work announced under the Federal Government’s Black Spot Programme was based on a road safety audit and recommendations from a consultative panel.

The Shire of Broome will deliver the project, with construction expected during the 2016-17 financial year.

Federal Durack MP Melissa Price said the location had been a hazard for motorists and pedestrians for years.

“Residents will recognise the history and notoriety of this location, including through their own near misses and seeing emergency services at the site first-hand,” she said.

Shire of Broome president Ron Johnston welcomed the funding as “a means to make one of Broome’s most dangerous intersections safer for the general public”.

“There have been a number of accidents at this location over the years and there are near misses on a weekly basis,” he said.

“This will make the intersection much safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in a busy part of town surrounded by restaurants and shops.”

The Black Spot Programme allows anyone to make a submission for a safety upgrade to a road or intersection in their local area.

Ms Price said figures from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, showed there were 1242 road deaths in Australia in the year to February.

“This is far too many and we must continue the campaign to make our roads safer,” she said.