Temporary bollards have been installed and a temporary zebra crossing painted on Joseph Road near Hopkins Street while discussions about lowering the speed limit continue.
In February, Maribyrnong council voted to write to Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne, asking for the speed limit of Hopkins Street, Footscray, to be reduced from 60km/h to 40km/h following a number of fatal and non-fatal accidents.
A report to a recent council meeting said council officers had met with Ms Horne, Footscray MP Katie Hall and the Department of Transport and planning to discuss the reduction and safety upgrades on Hopkins Street and within the Joseph Road precinct.
“A program of short term improvement works has been developed to address immediate infrastructure and safety concerns,” the report said.
“Contractors are being procured to implement the remainder of these works.”
Councillor Michael Clarke said council is taking the municipality’s safety very seriously and is considering the future growth of the area.
“We’re all aware our municipality has very much and experienced very significant development, particularly with population growth which is anticipated to continue,” he said.
“A number of steps have already been taken to progress this issue, we have already allocated funding for infrastructure and road upgrades for the Josephs Road Precinct.”
Cr Clarke said council has made a difference on what was once an industrial wasteland.
“It is now a major community hub, a major residential precinct, so what must occur is a structural change and a reform of speed limits,” he said.
“This has to occur to ensure the health and safety of our communities.”
Cr Simon Crawford acknowledged the hard work and the role the community have played in the safety of the precinct.
“I’d like to acknowledge Samantha Meredith and the Joseph Road Precinct Action Group for bringing this to us,” he said.
“This shows when the community and council work together that joint advocacy can be really powerful.”
