Maribyrnong’s most dangerous intersection should be safer now with new bike priority lights switched on at Footscray’s Whitehall and Parker streets.
About 1100 cyclists pass through the intersection each day – close to 200 every hour during peak periods. They used to battle to cross a road used by about 16,000 vehicles, including more than 4000 trucks, each weekday.
The intersection has been the scene of 14 serious crashes in the five years to last June, four involving cyclists.
Maribyrnong council and Greens MP Colleen Hartland have lobbied hard to have the lights installed at this critical point of the main route for western suburbs cyclists travelling into the city.
New detectors have been installed in the Parker Street bike lanes and cyclists can also press a button for the cyclist signals, gaining a jump-start on other vehicles.
VicRoads regional director Adam Maguire said the new technology provided a safer crossing, free from conflicts with other road users.
Other improvements include new signs and line-marking, green bike lanes and skid-resistant asphalt resurfacing.
“The new signalised intersection will also benefit drivers, with the new line-marking and resurfacing making driving through the intersection safer and clearer,” Mr Maguire said.
Maribyrnong mayor Nam Quach said safer bike routes should help encourage more people to take up cycling.
“Traffic lights installed at the intersection of Whitehall and Parker Streets … will greatly improve pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety at this very busy crossing,” he said.
