‘Disaster waiting to happen’: Busy Southern River street flagged by locals for lacking basic footpath

Residents concerned about a “dangerous” Gosnells street have been told improvements may not come for years.

It has been stated by locals that there are major safety risks due to the lack of footpath infrastructure between Faverolles Drive and Gamboge Parkway, with school children and families walking on Holmes Street being forced to walk on the road.

Despite the community’s immediate pedestrian safety concerns, the City of Gosnells is hesitant to take action due to a long-term expansion project currently under construction.

The city has proposed widening Garden Street between Harpenden Street and Holmes Street in 2025. An 840-metre dual carriageway allowing two lanes in each direction will be built to improve road safety and capacity issues.

These works are expected to be completed by 2031/32, with funding reserves allocated for the delivery of the project.

Southern River resident Saqib Sharif said these funds should be used to prioritize a temporary trail option before a “preventable accident” occurs.

“The main concern is that the council is delaying the construction of the footpath because they believe that Holmes Street will become Garden Street in the long-term plan.

“The municipality is standing on money to build the footpaths and they believe that building the footpath will be a sacrifice because in the long run, maybe 10 or 15 years from now, they will have to demolish it because the road will be extended and that will be a waste of public money.

“What value are future infrastructure plans if residents are put at risk today?”

The father of two said local children often walk along the road to get to school because it is “the only way” to get to school.

“It seems like there’s a disaster waiting to happen. Imagine fast-moving cars and kids on scooters and bikes,” he said.

Mr Sheriff first raised the issue with the council in April, claiming “significant residential growth” had significantly increased foot and car traffic.

Main Roads WA approved reducing the speed limit on Holmes Street between Newmerrie Street and Phoebe Street from 70km/h to 60km/h in May. Mr Sharif said this was not strong enough protection for pedestrians.

“I think reducing the speed is not a solution. It’s like a patchwork, it’s not solving the problem; 60km of cars passing by pedestrians pose a huge threat to their lives,” he said.

“It gets pretty busy in the morning rush hour and also in the afternoon during school hours. Now there’s a lot of development in the area and new developments have been built… but there’s no connectivity. People can’t walk between them.”

Mr Sheriff is calling on the council to prioritize pedestrian safety with urgent temporary measures such as a temporary footpath, pedestrian shelter or protected footpath.

“We don’t want any luxuries, this is basic infrastructure. The Council should not approve new developments until basic infrastructure is provided,” he said.

Chief Executive Ian Cowie said the city was currently considering temporary safety measures as well as long-term planning for the area.

“The City will consider temporary pedestrian improvements for this section of Holmes Street ahead of the long-term Garden Street widening project. Any temporary measures will be subject to Council approval and funding availability,” he said.

Mr Cowie said the city had launched initial research into pedestrian access and treatment options.

The city will consider a “temporary intervention” on pedestrian access from 2027/28 but is pursuing the Garden Street widening project as a long-term solution.

“The City acknowledges the concerns raised by residents and continues to progress planning for future improvements to this section of the road network. Planning for the proposed duplication of Holmes Street is still in the early stages,” Mr Cowie said.

Construction is currently underway on the first stage between Warton and Holmes Street, with the second stage adjacent to Sutherlands Park being designed.

Funding was approved for the design of phase three, including the South River interchange and associated crosswalk facilities.

The detailed design of the fourth stage of the Garden Street extension is expected to be completed in 2030.