ROAD users are again urging the state government to commit to the duplication of the Melton Highway following what could have been a fatal accident earlier this month.
Already more than 2000 residents have signed an online petition started by Narelle Bowden, following the death of her nephew on the highway in 2010.
Ms Bowden said if the highway had been duplicated, “my five-year-old nephew would still be here”.
“My sister would not be still recovering, my niece would have her brother with her to play with – instead she has countless nightmares, she cries at night”.
Ms Bowden said she understood other factors contributed to the fatal accident, but she also stressed the importance of additional lines and realignment of the Kororoit Creek dip. “Our community is growing daily, 50 new families move to Melton each day. How many more innocent lives are to be lost?”
The crash earlier this month occurred after a driver drifted onto the incorrect side of the road and caused an oncoming car to lose control at the corner of the Melton Highway and Leakes Road. Two adults and five children were injured and taken to hospital.
Melton’s Leading Senior Constable Shane Roberts said those involved in the fiery crash were fortunate to survive. “It could have have been much worse. The cars went up in smoke.”
He thanked the “good work of passers by” who helped the passengers. “The duplication of the Melton Highway is well and truly overdue,” Leading Senior Constable Roberts said.
Leading Senior Constable Allan Edwards also supported calls to duplicate the highway.
“I’ve felt for many years that it needs to be duplicated. None of the roads are dangerous if people do the right thing, but almost every collision we go to out there, drivers are either not paying attention or are being impatient.”
Leading Senior Constable Edwards said Hopkins Road, which becomes Derrimut Road, should also be duplicated.
“There’s a massive amount of growth in Tarneit and in terms of fatalities in the past 20 years, there have been just as many fatalities as the Melton Highway.”
In the five years to December, 2011, for the entire 19-kilometre length of the Melton Highway (between Sunshine Avenue and the Western Freeway), there were 162 recorded crashes. They included five fatalities and 55 serious injuries.
“VicRoads has investigated safety treatments to address run-off-road and head-on crashes on the Melton Highway. In the context of these investigations, road safety improvement works will be considered for funding in a future program,” Patricia Liew, regional director of Metro North West, said.
Ms Liew said planning for the duplication of the Melton Highway and other major road improvements would be considered in line with the objectives of the Metropolitan Planning Strategy.
“VicRoads is working closely with the Growth Areas Authority and local councils to develop growth corridor plans and precinct structure plans. These plans will create the blueprint for development and investment in infrastructure over many years.”
Transport Minister Terry Mulder did not respond to the Weekly before going to print.
Melton Shire Council is holding a community road safety forum on Wednesday, April 18, 7 to 9.30pm at the Community Hall, 232 High Street, Melton.
