One of Sunshine’s busiest intersections will be removed if the state opposition wins power at next year’s election.
Last week Opposition Leader Matthew Guy announced his plan to remove traffic lights from 55 of the state’s busiest intersections and replace them with underpasses.
Sunshine’s notorious intersection at Ballarat Road and McIntyre Road is named at number five on the list of priorities.
“Everyone agrees the removal of level crossings will help to free up Melbourne’s traffic congestion, but it’s only part of the solution,” Mr Guy said.
“Another key part is to remove Melbourne’s most congested and frustrating traffic intersections, using grade-separations. Preference for grade-separations will be an underpass construction with consultation with the community, local government and engineering experts, determining the final design.
“As part of this project, traffic signal systems will be modernised to ensure traffic flow is optimised on corridors where intersections are removed.”
A VicRoads spokesperson acknowledged the intersection was problematic.
“It’s a complex intersection with which we have lots of difficulties keeping traffic flowing,” the spokesperson said.
“We regularly monitor the traffic lights and give priority when needed to get things moving.
“We also constantly monitor the intersection to determine if there’s anything more we can do to ease congestion, however there are no major upgrades currently planned.”
Data taken from the 2016 Census showed that 75.1 per cent of Brimbank residents drive to work and with a growing population, the frustrating intersection is set to create further gridlock.
RACV roads and traffic manager Dave Jones said the proposal has merit, but further works on Ballarat Road should also be considered.
“Existing large intersections like McIntyre Road and Ballarat Road may be suitable places for an underpass. Ballarat Road is quite wide and adjoining land uses are industrial and commercial,” Mr Jones said.
“However, other intersections along Ballarat Road would need to be reviewed to ensure traffic will flow smoothly along the complete route.”
