Tate Papworth
A notorious Albion “death trap” is set to undergo safety works following a lengthy community push.
The federal government will invest $4 million towards upgrading and improving the Ballarat Road and Hulett Street intersection in Albion.
The stretch of road Ballarat Road is located between the M80 Ring Road, McIntyre Road and Anderson Road.
In the five year period between 2015 and 2019 (inclusive), there were a total of 18 crashes, resulting in 2 fatalities and 18 people being seriously injured.
VicRoads, Brimbank Police and the Brimbank council all agreed that safety upgrades were required, but funding had long been a sticking point.
Residents of aged care facility Federation Residential Village Sunshine led the push for safety measures, holding numerous rallies.
Brimbank mayor Georgina Papafotiou said it was good to see the community listened to.
“This is a major financial commitment by the federal government towards fixing a treacherous stretch of road that has experienced too many near misses, accidents and fatalities,” Cr Papafotiou said.
“The local community’s campaign for road safety improvements, including by Federation Retirement Village residents and Albion residents, has been pivotal in helping council secure this funding.”
Cr Papafotiou said the investment would also help support local economic growth and create jobs during uncertain times.
The final funding detail and project scope has yet to be revealed, however the funding comes on top of the $1.13 million Brimbank was provided as part of the federal government’s financial assistance grant program in response to COVID-19.
The government had also already committed $50 million for improvements along the Calder Freeway corridor, and made a $5 billion contribution towards the Melbourne Airport Rail Link via Sunshine.
Cr Papafotiou lauded the council’s advocacy work in securing the funding.
