THE Wyndham City Council is asking for Federal Government funding towards the $415,000 cost of installing traffic signals at the intersection of Hogans Rd and Dowling Ave – an accident hotspot.
Seven incidents causing casualties have occurred at this intersection in the past five years.
The council is seeking $245,000 towards the total cost of the lights from the Federal Government’s Blackspot funding program.
Although the traffic signals are subject to further funding approvals, the council has set aside $70,000 for the works in the 2007-08 budget.
Pedestrian-operated signals were initially scheduled for Hogans Rd between Deloraine Drive and Bethany Rd.
However, after conducting research on the stretch of road, the council decided full intersection signals would be more appropriate.
This means the lights will not only be triggered by pedestrians wanting to cross, but also by traffic exiting Dowling Rd.
Wyndham mayor Shane Bourke said the benefits of the proposed traffic signals will be two-fold.
“Signals at this intersection will provide both pedestrian safety and traffic control,” he said.
“Pedestrians wishing to cross Hogans Rd will soon have a safe crossing point to get to school, sporting facilities, community centres and other activities.
“It’s also hoped there will be a reduction in accidents at this intersection.”
The council is preparing an application for funding and the contract for the works will be put out to tender when the money is provided.
