Residents living near Blackshaws Road have welcomed news that a new pedestrian crossing will be installed, while launching a petition calling for another one.
Last week, Roads Minister and Williamstown MP Melissa Horne announced the state government would deliver a new zebra crossing on the road running through Newport, South Kingsville and Altona North, that residents have long argued is unsafe.
A number of major housing developments are currently being built along Blackshaws Road and three pedestrian crossings are required to be installed under planning conditions.
In a letter to residents last week, Ms Horne said she’d been urging Hobsons Bay council to install the crossings now, but that council wanted to wait until the developments were completed.
“I don’t believe this is good enough,” Ms Horne said, announcing that the state government would instead build a fourth crossing on its own, with the zebra crossing between Watt and Stephenson streets expected to be finished by next July.
According to Hobsons Bay council, Blackshaws Road is an arterial road that is the responsibility of the state government and the Department of Transport and Planning.
A spokesperson for council didn’t address Ms Horne’s accusations, but said it was working with the government on installing the crossings.
“Council welcomes initiatives that enhance pedestrian safety,” the spokesperson said.
Newport resident and community campaigner Rowen Joske said while the minister’s announcement was awesome, she wants her to go further.
“I hope that constructing it will spur the state government to completely redesign Blackshaws Road as a street for the people that live here, not just for the cars driving through,” Ms Joske said.
“Before long, we will have an extra 10,000 pedestrians living in the developments along this strip, and Blackshaws Road needs fundamental changes to keep up.”
Ms Joske is part of the P15 Neighbourhood Alliance, a local community group that has launched a petition calling on Ms Horne to ensure the new crossing is in the correct location, built to the best possible standard and that another crossing be installed near Fourth Avenue in Altona North.
The minister’s office declined to comment on the petition.
