Tara Murray
Brimbank council is calling for funding for a new signalised intersection on the Melton Highway and the upgrade of Taylors Road.
Mayor Ranka Rasic raised two notices of motions at last month’s council meeting, seeking funding from the state government for the two roads projects.
The council will write to Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins and the Department of Transport requesting the construction of traffic lights and a signalised pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Melton Highway and Sandpiper Drive in Taylors Lakes.
They are also seeking the beautification of the Brimbank council part of Melton Highway.
Cr Rasic said the intersection of Melton Highway and Sandpiper Drive was dangerous and needs to be addressed.
“I think this is very important,” she said.
“Motorists are travelling at 80 kilometres per hour and therefore putting drivers who use Sandpiper Drive at risk when using that section of road.
“Motorists have raised safety concerns about turning onto the Melton Highway from Sandpiper Drive and this proposal would request funding from the state government to rectify this issue.”
The council will also write to Kororoit MP Marlene Kairouz, Ms Hutchins, Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan, Treasurer Tim Pallas and Roads Minister Ben Carroll requesting funding and support for the upgrade of Taylors Road between Kings Road and Watervale Boulevard.
Cr Rasic said there was an urgent need to upgrade this part of the road, which is a single lane each way, causing congestion both in peak and off-peak periods.
Cr Maria Kerr drives the road every day and said the upgrade was much needed.
“It’s a bottleneck,” she said. “It’s dangerous, it’s sub standard.
“The west is continuously neglected when it comes to these large projects. I’ve seen multiple accidents at this site and I’m not sure how many more lives need to be lost on this section of the road, and how many more hours lost sitting in traffic.
“We have developments happening all the way through Caroline Springs, up to Deanside and Plumpton and the road can’t take the amount of usage it’s taking.”
Council is also calling for the beautification of that road.
