MILNER Road has reopened to traffic after Kalamunda council voted to end its four-week trial closure early, following objections from High Wycombe residents.

The trial began on October 12, but council resolved to end it early at the October 27 ordinary council meeting.

City crews removed the temporary barriers and associated signs two days later, restoring through access.

As reported in Milner Road trial closure draws resident concerns, residents raised concerns about consultation, pedestrian safety and emergency access.

During the October council meeting, High Wycombe resident Eileen Hort presented a deputation opposing the closure.

“Safety must not mean moving the risk elsewhere,” Ms Hort said.

“If heavy vehicles, turning onto Milner and Maida Vale roads is considered a safety concern, why is it acceptable to redirect those same vehicles through other residential streets?

“Closing Milner Road will not remove heavy vehicles (but) force them onto longer routes… including the busy Sultana Road.”

During council discussion about Milner Road’s closure, it was confirmed the closure was put in place from October 12 but had been vandalised to allow the road to remain open.

South East ward councillor David Modolo, who moved the motion, said he’d received overwhelming feedback opposing the closure.

“Residents have asked us to restore their access and tonight… council has an opportunity to do so,” he said.

North West ward councillor Lisa Cooper said safety and amenity concerns around the intersection of Milner and Maida Vale roads have been a long-standing issue.

“(The issues) have been ongoing ever since… 2019,” she said.

Cr Cooper said a resident had written a letter to her about the early morning disturbance and non-compliance with the closure.

“All the road closure signage is still in place and the road is still being used by everyone,” she said.

“I acknowledge the frustration felt by some members of the community who may have been impacted by the temporary road closure (though) I was quite shocked that people would deliberately set out to remove the road closure barriers.

“I would ask the city please examine other options… to ensure that Milner and Maida Vale roads are safe for residents living in close vicinity to road users and for the pedestrians.”

The motion was passed 7-2.