Hobsons Bay council has expressed opposition to the design of the proposed Maidstone Street level crossing removal project in Altona.
A council submission opposing aspects of the project, received unanimous support at a council meeting on September 10.
In June, the state government released concept plans for the removal of the current level crossing and its replacement with a new road bridge over the Werribee train line.
While offering in principle support for the project, the submission highlights concerns about the the design of the proposed bridge, particularly the lack of cycling or walking paths, it’s potential impact on local traffic, the failure to maintain city views and a lack of consultation.
Speaking in support of the submission, Cr Daria Kellander said that by having only a single car lane in either direction, the proposed bridge ignored the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
“Cyclists and pedestrians will need to cycle and walk in the car lanes which literally puts the safety of everyone at risk.”
Cr Kellander said only having one lane on a major thoroughfare would cause chaos in the event of a crash and was indicative of a deeper attitude problem within government and the public service.
“There’s absolutely no forward thinking in this and once again I feel like we’re treated as a second class community.”
“We must give loud and constant feedback to those who think they know best for this community but don’t live here” added deputy mayor Pamela Sutton-Legaud.
Cr Antoinette Briffa pointed out that there weren’t walking and cycling paths along that stretch of Maidstone Street currently, to which Cr Jonathan Marsden responded that this didn’t mean they weren’t needed.
The state government was contacted for comment.
