THE City of Swan has criticised the Public Transport Authority (PTA) after a last minute decision to close one of Midland’s main access roads.

City councillors were given notice at 7pm Wednesday night that the Morrison Road level crossing would be closed from 1.30am Thursday, October 23 to 4.30am Monday, October 27.

The PTA scheduled the four-day closure as part of its ongoing, standard rail maintenance program.

Cr Ian Johnson criticised the closure saying the city was not informed of the closure with enough notice.

“The city was not previously aware of this closure nor has the closure been approved by the city,” he said.

“Staff requested that the PTA delay the closure to allow the standard city closure process and notification be undertaken, however, this was rejected by the PTA.

“While details are still coming to hand, it is our understanding that the PTA does have the power to undertake a closure of this crossing without our approval.

“The city will release communications… to notify as many of the surrounding community as possible and is working to mitigate the safety impacts of the unapproved closure.”

The level crossing is an important roadway for the Midland area and will have significant impact on residents, including parents taking their children to both Woodbridge Primary School and Governor Stirling Senior High School nearby.

Midland MLA Steve Catania got involved in the dispute saying that while he was not opposed to the  construction, the lack of notice to the residents and local government authority was unacceptable.

“There are three opportunities to cross the rail line, and if any of these crossings are closed, significant strain is placed on the remaining two to cope,” he said.

“That is without even considering the added pressure that would have been caused by the confusion of having Morrison Road level crossing closed over the weekend.

“I will be advocating for the works to take place at a time that gives the local community time to adjust, and when it will have the least amount of impact on traffic flow.”

The planned closure was swiftly abandoned late Friday after Mr Catania took the issue directly to the state government, speaking to Premier Roger Cook and deputy Premier Rita Saffioti on the floor of Parliament on Thursday.

The PTA has since agreed to delay the Morrison Road level crossing closure until the new year, giving the City of Swan and local residents adequate time to prepare.

City of Swan chief executive officer Stephen Cain formally outlined the city’s demands for future works.

“The city was not made aware of this closure,” he said.

“The proposed works should have been undertaken in accordance with the endorsed rail interface agreement.

“We have asked the PTA to undertake the correct process for road closures with appropriate notification and city approval before recommencing works.”

As reported in Residents call for info about Woodbridge crossing the level crossing has been in future plans to be replaced with a grade separated crossing as part of the larger Metronet project, an investment for which $200 million in funding has been committed.

The replacement of the level crossing was funded with the aim of reducing congestion, improving local connectivity, and increasing safety for motorists and pedestrians.