Traffic on The Esplanade in Caroline Springs is exceeding capacity, according to a Melton council report.
With speeding also highlighted as a problem on the road, the council will consult residents about proposed “traffic-calming” devices.
The report stated The Esplanade was overloaded with motorists who use it to avoid traffic signals and school zones along Caroline Springs Boulevard.
It revealed The Esplanade was being used by 2750 vehicles more every day than what it was designed for.
Coburn ward councillor Kathy Majdlik said improvements were urgently needed.
“It is beyond its capacity … residents have contacted me saying they don’t feel safe in the area and when crossing the road,” she said.
“This is staggering considering it’s just a local side street.”
The report revealed a satisfactory volume of cars for the southern section of the road is 3000 a day – well below the 4453 that currently use it. The northern stretch is being used by 3797 vehicles a day – well above the advised figure of 2500.
The report also revealed a history of speeding on the 50 km/h road, with 15 per cent of drivers exceeding 59.3 km/h. The report said speed-limiting devices could become permanent, with the council to monitor traffic volumes annually after the construction of the Westwood Drive bridge.
Cr Majdlik said the council’s engineering department had suggested speed humps be installed.
“I have also made a request that council officers write to VicRoads and explore the potential of reducing the speed to 40 km/h, and also to erect more speed signs along the course of the road,” she said.
The council has received 12 complaints about the road in three years.
BEN CAMERON
