By Cade Lucas
Opponents of plans to close Champion Road as part of the Newport level crossing removal project say a truck roll-over in the area last week is further proof of why it’s a bad idea.
Just after 2pm on Wednesday, November 27, a truck rolled over on the corner of Kororoit Creek and Maddox roads in Williamstown North, crushing another vehicle and causing traffic gridlock.
No one was injured in the incident, but the fact that it occurred close to schools and kindergartens on the same road that will take on more traffic if Champion Road is closed, has alarmed nearby residents such as Damian Costin.
Mr Costin’s two young children are enrolled to attend Newport Gardens Primary School on Maddox Road, near the site of the truck roll-over, from next year.
“It’s just flat out dangerous,” said Mr Costin of the existing truck traffic on Maddox Road.
“This is not a drill, trucks going through school areas are dangerous. This is our kids safety.”
A spokesperson for the Level Crossing Removal Project said far from making the area less safe, the removal of two level crossings and closure of Champion Road would have the opposite effect.
“There have been six near misses at these level crossing which is why they will be gone for good by 2026,” the spokesperson said.
“The third round of consultation is underway, and locals can have their say on the project as part of the release of the designs.”
Williamstown MP Melissa Horne refused to be drawn on any links between Wednesday’s truck roll-over and plans to close Champion Road as part the level crossing removal project.
“This was an accident by a heavy vehicle in wet weather,” she said.
“Thankfully no one was injured in this accident.”
Along with safety concerns, Mr Costin said closing Champion Road risked isolating Williamstown North and Newport, something demonstrated by Wednesday’s accident.
“And the irony of this is that VicRoads said that if you need to access Newport, Altona North, use Champion Road,” said Mr Costin of advice given to local motorists following the roll-over.
Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander voiced similar sentiments in reiterating council’s opposition to closing Champion Road.
“The closure will result in greater congestion along Maddox Road and increased travel times for emergency and essential services,” Cr Kellander said.
Newport Gardens Primary School was contacted for comment.
