Residents in Melbourne’s west are calling on Melton council and the state government to address traffic congestion on Palm Springs Road in Ravenhall, citing regular traffic delays of over 30 minutes at the roundabout intersecting with Christies Road.
More than 500 people have signed an online petition.
Hoppers Crossing resident Simona posted a comment to the petition.
“The heavy delays cause significant problems for families like mine, as I am late to pick up my children from school everyday. This is not only stressful but also unsafe for my children who are left waiting and last to be collected from school,” Simona wrote.
Another commenter wrote, “the traffic is ridiculous. Spending 67 minutes to get from Momentum Way onto the freeway. God forbid anybody needed an ambulance or a fire brigade”.
Suggested measures outlined in the petition included expanding existing roads, creating additional access points and implementing traffic management systems in the area.
Melton council told Star Weekly it is responsible for Palm Springs Road, however the intersection of Palm Springs Road and Christies Road is the responsibility of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
Melton mayor Cr Steve Abboushi said council continues to advocate to the state government for an upgrade to Christies Road.
“The intersection at Palm Springs Road and Christies Road is a key access point to connect to Caroline Springs Boulevard, the train station and the industrial estate,” Cr Abboushi said.
“The upgrade of Christies Road is critical to supporting commercial investment and the creation of local jobs.”
Council is calling for an upgrade to the corridor south of Ballarat Road with a duplication of Christies Road from Ballarat Road to Caroline Springs Station, additional interchange ramps to the Western Highway, and new bike and pedestrian paths on both sides.
Council said it is still waiting for information relating to the state government’s upgrade of the Western Freeway to ascertain if the Christies Road Upgrade is included.
A DTP spokesperson told Star Weekly the state government is reviewing intersection improvements in the area.
“Works continue to plan for an upgrade of the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs to improve safety, freeway access and road capacity to help accommodate growing demand,” the DTP spokesperson said.
According to the state government, approximately 86,000 vehicles travel on the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs each day, with the figure expected to increase to around 113,000 by 2031.
