By Sumeyya Ilanbey
Melton and Wyndham councils will lobby the state government to upgrade the notorious Hopkins Road, where several people have died.
Earlier this month, two children died following a head-on collision between a Ford Territory and Ford Focus on Hopkins Road.
The latest fatality has prompted Melton council to urge VicRoads to commit to “significant” road upgrades on the deadly eight-kilometre stretch. The council wants the road to be widened, intersections upgraded, lighting improved, and fixed speed cameras installed.
The road is a major thoroughfare between Melton and Wyndham and connects to Derrimut Road in Tarneit. It has been the scene of one fatality, six serious injuries and 23 other injuries in the past five years.
Wyndham council’s city economy, innovation and liveability acting director Melissa Falkenberg said the council had not contacted VicRoads about Hopkins Road but has raised similar issues about Derrimut Road.
“This [Hopkins Road-Derrimut Road] corridor connects with the Princes Highway and the Western Freeway,” Ms Falkenberg said. “As such, Wyndham city would support Melton council’s calls for upgrades to Hopkins Road.
“Hopkins Road is a rural-standard road that is accommodating an increasing traffic demand. The point where Derrimut Road changes to Hopkins Road is carrying 18,000 vehicles per day, which means it is at capacity.”
The speed limit along Derrimut and Hopkins roads was reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h two years ago, and a number of improvements, including road resurfacing and new guard rail installation, have been carried out.
VicRoads acting transport and planning director for the north-west Simon Basic said there were no plans to duplicate Derrimut and Hopkins roads between Dohertys Road and the Western Highway.
“We’ve undertaken a number of safety improvements on Hopkins Road in recent years and continue to work closely with both Wyndham and Melton councils to determine the need for further upgrades,” he said.
