A petition calling for on and off-ramps from the Western Freeway at Bulmans Road has secured more than 2000 signatures.
Melton West resident Greg Lewis started the petition after construction of the ramps, proposed as part of the Western Highway-Anthonys Cutting realignment project, didn’t go ahead.
“There was a third lane on the freeway during works, but they took it out after the work was done,’’ he said.
“They were going to put the interchange in but in the end decided to put one in at Hopetoun Park instead, which hasn’t fixed our issues.”
As reported by the Weekly, Mr Lewis believes the lack of an interchange is one of a number of problems plaguing Melton roads.
He is also calling for the duplication of High Street to Bulmans Road, the removal of bike lanes from High Street and improved landscaping.
Fellow resident Michelle Mendes said she was seeking a meeting with Melton mayor Bob Turner and chief executive Kel Tori.
“The traffic flow on Bulmans Road and right through to Arnolds Creek is bad,’’ she said. “At Coburns Road [one of the two existing on-ramps], you just have to look at traffic – one lane is banked up to the roundabout.
“People would go on to Bulmans Road at the freeway if there was an entrance from the freeway, reducing traffic at Coburns Road.”
VicRoads regional director Patricia Liew said the interchange project remained part of long-term plans.
“A 2009 traffic study, which formed the basis for the Western Highway-Anthonys Cutting realignment project, included a detailed analysis of access requirements in Melton and Bacchus Marsh,’’ she said.
“The study found that a full freeway interchange at Bulmans Road or Harkness Road was not required at the time. However, VicRoads has reserved land at both locations for future road improvements, as the proposal for the interchange is part of longer-term network needs.
“The five-kilometre freeway realignment that was completed in 2011 .… provides immediate safety and travel time benefits for motorists.”
