By NATALIE GALLENTI
ALBION residents determined to see King Edward Avenue remain open now have the support of a local politician.
Member for Western Metropolitan Region Bernie Finn has thrown his support behind the Albion Residents Action Group and called on the State Government and Regional Rail Link to defer its decision to close the frequently used street.
Mr Finn met with residents early last week and said after a lengthy discussion and viewing the area he was deeply concerned about the impact the closure would have on local motorists.
“If it can possibly be avoided it should be,” he said.
“The closure of King Edward Avenue should be the absolute last resort. We should do everything to keep it open.”
Mr Finn said the decision to close King Edward Avenue was like “throwing a spanner into the works”, and an alternative option needed to be found.
Resident Rod Beveridge welcomed the support and called on the RRL to provide more information to residents who were not aware of the ramifications of the imminent closure.
Mr Beveridge, who has been campaigning to keep the street open, said while the grade separation was important for the area, the impact on Albion residents also needed to be taken into consideration.
“We don’t just want them to delay it (the road closure), we want more information and we want it to stay open,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Regional Rail Link Footscray – Deer Park Alliance said a number of options were considered for the road/rail separation.
“The design at this crossing is made more complex by the presence of major underground utilities including gas, fuel and water, and difficult ground conditions,” the spokesperson said.
“The short distance between Sunshine and Albion railway stations also restricts what options are feasible in this area.”
The spokesperson said maintaining a connection between Anderson Rd and King Edward Avenue is not viable.
“There have been numerous Andersons Road Grade separation information sessions, workshops and briefing events which commenced in November last year. We have also been in regular contact with community members and are aware of local concerns about the closure of King Edward Avenue.”
The spokesperson said some permanent traffic management measures may be required in local roads through Albion to manage the change.
