Residents of Coogee in Perth are calling for immediate action to address severe traffic congestion on Powell Road, with some reporting delays of up to half an hour during peak times. The City of Cockburn is under pressure to expedite funding for a road widening project designed by Main Roads WA, which aims to alleviate the bottleneck affecting access to Cockburn Beach Reserve and the Coogee Beach Holiday Park.
Traffic Chokepoint Causes Major Delays
Powell Road, the sole access route from Cockburn Road to these popular coastal destinations, currently features only a single lane in each direction. This limited capacity has led to significant traffic build-up, particularly during the summer months. At the annual general meeting of electors on January 29, Terry Burns, speaking on behalf of resident Sally-Ann Newsome, highlighted the consistent issues faced by caravan park residents.
"Caravan park residents report during this present summer period, traffic build-up in Powell Road creates regular 20-minute hold-ups to reach Cockburn Road," Burns stated. "Residents must allow an extra half-hour when leaving the caravan park for an appointment."
Council Commits to Planning Funds
In response, the City of Cockburn agreed at its February 10 meeting to allocate $50,000 for the planning and detailed design of the intersection at Powell and Cockburn roads. However, Director of Infrastructure Services Anton Lees emphasized that the council cannot bypass standard approval processes.
"Should council endorse the requested funding ... city officers will begin the planning and detailed design process," Lees explained. "Once funding is endorsed and design work commences, the city will continue to work with Main Roads WA through the appropriate channels to progress the project as efficiently as possible."
The proposed widening of the north side of Powell Road would allow two vehicles to turn left onto Cockburn Road simultaneously, potentially reducing wait times and easing congestion. Residents have urged the council to prioritize this project ahead of the 2027 financial year.
Pedestrian Safety Concerns Addressed
Beyond traffic issues, Coogee residents are also advocating for improved pedestrian infrastructure along busy Cockburn Road. Burns noted that pedestrians are currently walking in the northbound traffic lane to reach signalised crossings, posing a safety risk.
Resident Helen Crosby echoed these concerns, questioning the urgency of building a new footpath. "Has (building the footpath) been marked urgent due to the high risk to the safety of pedestrians?" she asked.
Lees acknowledged the problem, stating that the existing footpath is not being used effectively. "We are aware that some pedestrians are choosing to walk within the northbound traffic lane to access the signalised pedestrian crossing," he said. "This behaviour is unsafe and does not reflect the intended use of the existing footpath and road network."
The council has allocated funds for an upgrade to the Cockburn Road shared path, with design and preparatory works underway. Construction is expected to commence this month, aiming to provide a safer alternative for pedestrians accessing Coogee Beach and surrounding areas.
As the community awaits these infrastructure improvements, the dual focus on road widening and pedestrian safety underscores the growing demands on local transport networks in this coastal suburb.
