School crossing improves safety

A new pedestrian crossing is making it safer and easier for hundreds of Fremantle students to get to school.

The new crossing on Ellen Street, near the main entrance to John Curtin College of the Arts, was installed by the City of Fremantle using funding provided by the state government.

John Curtin College Deputy Principal of Arts and Innovation Judy Hendrickse said the school was becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of students crossing the road.

“Our students travel from throughout the metropolitan area, from Yanchep in the north to Mandurah in the south,” Ms Hendrickse said.

“We’re a very unique college, with close to 1400 of our students relying on public transport to get to and from school.

“It’s very pleasing that both the government and the City of Fremantle are taking steps in regards to road safety for our students.”

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the City was delighted to help in making the trip to school safer.

“Every year the City’s engineering team completes dozens of projects to make getting around Fremantle safer and easier, from road resurfacing to new bike lanes and fixing footpaths,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“We greatly appreciate the support from the state government and our local member Simone McGurk to install this new crossing for John Curtin College.”

Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk said it was fantastic to see the much-needed crossing delivered. 

“The previous Principal of John Curtin College of the Arts, Mitch Mackay, raised pedestrian safety concerns with me, so I was happy to support the Ellen Street crossing scheme as one of my 2021 election commitments,” Ms McGurk said.

“This builds on the government's other recent local road safety improvements at Hilton Town Centre and Hampton Road in Beaconsfield."

The City of Fremantle also recently installed a similar school crossing on High Street near CBC Fremantle, using funding provided by the school.