By Alesha Capone
BRIMBANK City Council administrator Meredith Sussex has called on VicRoads to consult with residents who could be affected by the proposed closure of the left-turn entry into Sunshine Ave from the Calder Freeway.
The roads authority has also proposed “the right turn movements across the freeway at Sunshine Ave will be removed to improve safety and traffic flow”.
At last Tuesday’s council meeting, Ms Sussex said “at this stage there has been no consultation with people affected by this proposal”.
“It would affect quite a few people and it’s very important community consultation does take place,” she said.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese recently announced funds left over from the early completion of the Kings Rd interchange, would be used for safety improvements at the intersection between the Calder Freeway and Sunshine Ave.
Former Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said the Catholic Regional College in North Keilor was close to the proposed closures, which could affect many parents, so consultation would be an important part of the planning process.
After Star inquired about the proposed closures, project director of VicRoads’ western projects John Moylan, said in the five years to June 2009, there were 39 casualty crashes recorded, including one fatality, “along this general section of the Calder Freeway.
“The Calder Freeway/Sunshine Ave works will be implemented as an interim step on a longer term strategy to improve Calder Freeway safety between Keilor and Diggers Rest,” he said.
“Brimbank City Council was consulted and is supportive of the Calder Freeway/Sunshine Ave safety works.
“With funding now available, VicRoads can commence detailed consultation with the local community and landowners.”
