By NATALIE GALLENTI
ALBION residents have lost their fight to keep King Edward Avenue open.
Despite months of tireless rallying and campaigning, residents received the bad news last Wednesday when the Regional Rail Link (RRL) Footscray – Deer Park project team presented the findings of a recent traffic study.
A spokesperson for the RRL said the survey confirmed that the closure of King Edward Avenue was the only viable option for the rail under road grade separation.
The study also indicated that Albion experiences high volumes of “rat-runners” on Forrest St, Ridley St and King Edward Avenue, and the majority of these vehicles were seeking to avoid delays currently experienced on Anderson Rd due to the level crossings.
“The need to seek short cuts through these local streets in Albion will be reduced when the level crossings are removed and traffic flows on Anderson Rd improve,” the spokesperson said.
The news devastated residents who believe the closure will further isolate the small suburb from the rest of Brimbank.
Rod Beveridge who attended the meeting said he was “gutted” by the decision.
“I hope their findings are right and this works and the traffic flows, but if they’re not right I hope they will come and fix it,” Mr Beveridge said.
“We put our best foot forward, but it seems they only want to do what they want to do.
“It comes down to money.”
He commended Brimbank Council for their support and said they had kept residents well informed.
Another resident said the outcome meant he and his family would consider leaving the suburb he had lived in for more than two decades.
Rod Mitchell said the closure of King Edward Avenue would “cut off the lifeline to Albion”.
“It’s going to be a nightmare,” Mr Mitchell said.
“I’m not being over-emotional. The suburb is stuffed.
“What will happen if the traffic doesn’t flow? It will be too late.”
Brimbank Council general manager of infrastructure and environment Paul Younis said the traffic assessment confirmed the information provided by the community, especially in relation to the amount of rat running that is occurring through Albion.
Mr Younis said the traffic information will be used to explore techniques to improve traffic flow in Albion and will include the council talking to the community about local roads and traffic conditions.
The RRL team is currently exploring a number of further options to help with traffic flows in the Albion area.
