Brimbank council has announced it will launch a new community campaign this year, aimed at pressuring the state government to urgently commit to duplicating Taylors Road ahead of the upcoming state election.
Council said the ‘community call for action’ campaign will invite residents to describe how Taylors Road congestion affects their travel, work, family life and access to essential services.
Community stories and experiences will then be shared directly with major political parties, according to council.
Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said Taylors Road is no longer fit for purpose.
“Congestion on Taylors Road is becoming unbearable – and unsafe,” Cr Tachos said.
“The people who use Taylors Road every day understand the impacts better than anyone. Their stories will help us demonstrate why duplication can’t wait.
“Council has heard our community, and we are calling on the state government to take this issue seriously and deliver the investment the west deserves.
“Our community has outgrown this road.”
As reported by Star Weekly, different sections of Taylors Road are owned by Brimbank council, Melton council and the state government.
On social media, a resident expressed their frustration with the road.
“As a local resident for over 15 years near Taylors Road, it has been a constant gamble getting on and off this road on a daily basis. I see constant accidents and near misses. Traffic is always banked up and no longer fit for purpose,” the commenter wrote.
“From what I have heard Brimbank has been advocating for many years to classify Taylors Road as a major arterial in the hands of the state government to take over funding and upgrades. But to date not much traction has occurred. It’s both disappointing and frustrating.”
The state government told Star Weekly the decision to make Taylors Road an arterial road will be considered as part of future upgrades, and that Taylors Road supports the future western growth corridor connecting Melton and Fraser Rise with the Calder Freeway.
“We will continue to work with the local council for future road upgrades in the area,” a state government spokesperson said.
