Maribyrnong’s most dangerous intersection for cyclists could be made safer if VicRoads is successful with a funding proposal to install signals at Footscray’s Whitehall and Parker streets intersection.
A decision is expected soon on the proposal to install traffic lights at the notorious hotspot.
Bike counts show about 300 cyclists use the intersection every morning peak period, while more than 4200 trucks use Whitehall Street each weekday.
Maribyrnong council wrote to VicRoads in June, raising safety issues about the site, highlighting five serious bicycle crashes in the past five years.
VicRoads acting regional director Damien Afxentis said the project would make the location safer for all road users, particularly cyclists who had a difficult time crossing this intersection due to the high volume of traffic.
Improvements to the long-maligned Shepherd Bridge may also be in the pipeline.
“VicRoads is considering options to improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians at Shepherd Bridge, and any proposals to address safety for cyclists at this location will be considered for future funding,” Mr Afxentis said.
In recent months, Western suburbs MP Colleen Hartland has twice written to VicRoads about both trouble spots.
“The local community has been very active in expressing its concerns and lobbying for the intersection to be fixed,” she wrote.
“Notorious for its dangers, Shepherd Bridge is the main bike route connecting the western suburbs with the CBD. More than 3000 cyclists ride it every day. It’s unsafe and needs to be fixed.”
