Two-way streets program
Why Two Way Streets?
The Two Way Street Program was developed in the mid 2000’s, to address the impact of the city’s one way street network and re-balance priorities towards people, place and accessibility.
The wider strategic benefits include:
- Economic, social and environmental revitalisation of city streets
- Improved access and servicing for small businesses
- Enhanced city legibility, including for people with visual impairments
- Support for major private development and investment
- Improved public transport permeability and bus priority
- Expanded opportunities for street-based activity such as outdoor dining
- Wider footpaths, improved walkability, tree planting and street furniture
- Reduced vehicle kilometres travelled and associated emissions
- Safer streets with slower traffic speeds
By reducing the impacts of heavy through-traffic associated with one-way streets, the program improves the overall pedestrian and place-based experience and supports a more liveable, accessible and competitive capital city.
Completed Two Way Street projects
To date, the City of Perth has successfully converted the following streets to two-way traffic, supporting major developments such as Elizabeth Quay and Perth City Link, as well as improved bus priority and additional bus services:
- William Street – Riverside Drive to Newcastle Street
- Beaufort Street – Barrack Street Bridge to Newcastle Street
- Barrack Street – The Esplanade to Wellington Street
- Birdiya Drive – William to Point Lewis roundabout
- The Esplanade – William to Barrack Street
- James Street (East) – Beaufort Street to Stirling Street
- Mounts Bay Road – Spring Street to William Street
- Murray Street – Barrack Street to Pier Street and William Street to Elder Street
- Hay Street – Barrack Street to Bennett Street
- Irwin Street – Hay Street to St Georges Terrace
- Victoria Avenue – Hay Street to St Georges Terrace
What’s next
The next stage of the City of Perth’s Two-Way Streets Program is the conversion of Hay Street between William Street and Thomas Street to two-way traffic. This work will be completed in the following stages:
Hay Street – William Street to Elder Street
Construction is scheduled early 2027.
The City will work closely with local businesses, residents and visitors throughout construction to minimise disruption and maintain access to the area.
Hay Street – Elder Street to Thomas Street
The final concept plan for this section of Hay Street was adopted by Council in late 2025 and will guide the future delivery of the project.
Remaining Two-Way Streets projects
The remaining projects in the program are:
- Hill Street: St Georges Terrace to Wittenoom Street, including part of Lord Street.
- Murray Street: Elder Street to Thomas Street.
The City’s Two-Way Streets Program will support the future widening of Thomas Street north of Kings Park Road and the creation of future two-way connections east of Thomas Street into Subiaco.
Related documents
- Hay Street Two Way Infographic899.35 KB | PDF Document