Michael with his grandkids Amelia and Michael trying to cross the street. 78380 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
RESIDENTS in Brooklyn and Altona North are calling on the State Government to urgently fund a signalled pedestrian crossing at the West Gate Freeway entrance (Geelong bound) on Millers Rd, Altona North.
One Brooklyn resident, Elio, said he has been concerned about the intersection for several years.
The issue became a concern to Elio when his children, who previously attended Annunciation Primary School, would have to cross the intersection to get to and from school daily.
“They’ve got their elderly grandfather (Michael) who would walk them to school each and every day and it was always a heart in mouth feeling until we got the text message that they’ve arrived home safely while I’m at work,” he said.
“It’s quite dangerous – you’re exposed… there’s no indication to drivers that they have to give way to pedestrians.”
Elio said drivers who are gaining speed to try and enter the freeway may not even be aware there are pedestrians trying to cross.
“You’re doing 60 (kilometres per hour), you’re getting onto that freeway and you’re just basically looking to your right for any other turning vehicles but you may not actually be aware of any pedestrians and then you’re picking up the pace to join the freeway – it’s extremely dangerous.”
Member for Williamstown, Wade Noonan MP, has joined the campaign calling the State Government to fund a crossing at the “black-spot”.
“It’s difficult to come to terms with the fact there are absolutely no pedestrian markings on the entrance ramp when there are such high volumes of traffic entering the freeway,” he said.
The crossing was identified in 2009 by the Hobsons Bay City Council as a safety concern due to factors such as sight distances to the ramps and high vehicle approach speeds.
Following a period of investigation and consultation with VicRoads, it was determined that pedestrian safety could be improved through the installation of pedestrian traffic signals and a funding proposal was submitted to the State Government.
Mr Noonan said VicRoads has recently completed planning for this project and has submitted a proposal for funding.
“The plans are ready to go and the Baillieu Government must now move quickly to complete the work,” he said.
Though Elio’s children no longer attend Annunciation Primary School he said he would still like to see the intersection upgraded for the safety of all pedestrians in the area.
