MOTORISTS are angry they will have to wait until mid-2014 for traffic lights at one of Melton’s most dangerous intersections.
Last September, the Weekly reported lights would be installed at the intersection of Ferris Road and the Western Highway to ease congestion and stop frustrated drivers performing illegal U-turns.
The state government allocated $1.5 million to the project only days after an RACV survey named the intersection one of Victoria’s most frustrating trouble spots.
But six months after funding was announced, planning for the long-awaited project remains in early stages.
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Melton’s Daniel Winkler criticised the lack of urgency about addressing the city’s infrastructure issues.
He said he used the exit five times a week and often witnessed drivers performing dangerous U-turns.
“The longer you delay something like this the more likely someone will get killed.”
Mr Winkler said the frequent cancellation of Melton trains meant more residents were driving, adding to the volume of road users.
Melton Labor MP Don Nardella said construction of the much-needed project must begin as soon as possible. He said his electorate had the highest growth rate in Australia.
“There have been extensions to the urban growth boundary, but no infrastructure has been provided for these new communities.”
Melton engineering services manager Les Stokes said the council had advocated for the safety improvements for several years due to the city’s high rate of growth.
“This growth brings increased traffic volumes on all our arterial roads,” he said. “This particular site experiences considerable congestion during peak times, causing driver frustration and risk-taking behaviour.”
Mr Stokes said the council was pleased the project had been funded and he looked forward to works starting in the near future.
VicRoads regional director Patricia Liew said planning was in the pre-construction phase.
“Once the detailed design is complete, VicRoads will prepare contract documents, tender the works and complete the tender evaluation process. It is expected that works will start in January 2014 and complete in mid-2014.”
