By Max Hatzoglou
A motorist has criticised the installation of a raised platform at the intersection of Ballarat Road and Hulett Street, labelling it as ‘dangerous’.
The raised platform was installed at the intersection as part of an $8 million safety upgrade by the state government.
The installation of traffic lights and raised safety platforms on Ballarat Road at the approach to the intersection to encourage drivers to slow down.
The upgrades follow a number of accidents at the intersection, including in 2016 when Sunshine Federation Village resident Gary Clancy was hit by a car.
Mr Clancy spent five years in a wheelchair after the accident and has since progressed to using walking sticks.
But motorist Christian Martinu, who uses the road regularly, said the raised platform was a dangerous change.
“I think VicRoads have made a dangerous change to a major roadway,” Mr Martinu said.
“They didn’t listen to the community.
“We fought to have an intersection further down the road and they put one in the wrong place and now they put a speed hump to make the road dangerous.”
Mr Martinu was concerned about the impact the raised platform saying it would cause issues if the road signage that was in place during roadworks was not improved.
“I’m very worried that it will damage the cars and trucks,” he said.
“I was unaware there was a speed hump because of no signage… unless they sign it properly, there will be damage [to vehicles].”
Mr Martinu hopes to see an upgrade to the Perth Avenue and Ballarat Road intersection further down the road which the community had previously held a rally for.
“I think pedestrian safety is very important but also listening to the community and what they need in their neighbourhood is important,” he said.
“And we still need Perth Avenue traffic lights.”
A government spokesperson said the intersection upgrades improved safety.
“We have delivered road safety treatments at the intersection of Ballarat Road and Hulett Street to make it safer for all road users, especially for those accessing the nearby Federation Residential Village,” a spokesperson said.
“These upgrades are improving traffic flow and safety through the intersection, and ensuring it can cater to the growing demands of the community well into the future.”
“The new traffic signals at the intersection of Ballarat Road and Hulett Street in Albion have been switched on.”
