THE Wallan Road intersection in Whittlesea is receiving its much-needed safety upgrade with works commencing last week.
The $2.9 million upgrade to the intersection of Plenty Road and Wallan Road will see traffic lights installed to improve safety and traffic flow.
The improved intersection will also feature pedestrian operated crossings, better street lighting, a dedicated bike lane from Plenty Road to Macmeikan Street and extended footpaths.
Raised platforms will slow drivers on all approaches to the intersection making it safer and reducing the risk of crashes.
Plenty Road is an important north to south link, connecting Greensborough to the south and Whittlesea to the north.
The Plenty Road, Wallan Road, Macmeikan Street and Laurel Street intersection is close to Whittlesea Primary School, residents and local shops and currently operates with give way signs instead of traffic signals.
Member for Yan Yean, Danielle Green, inspected the works last week and said that the upgrades will reduce congestion and improve traffic flow through the intersection and make it safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
“These improvements will make this busy intersection safer for the thousands of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who rely on it every day,” Ms Green said.
“We know how frustrating it is to be stuck in traffic – that’s why we’re investing in projects like the Yan Yean Road upgrade, Plenty Road upgrade and at this important intersection to improve traffic flow and keep people safe,” She added.
Long-time advocate for the upgrade, Kris Richmond said that the works would finally see a safe environment for the school children who use the crossings each day.
“It has been a long time coming but now the works have commenced we can all look forward to safer roads in this part of Whittlesea she said.
Almost 10,000 drivers pass through this intersection every day and it’s been the scene of six recorded crashes since 2014. Works are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Joining Ms Green to inspect the start of the works were Ms Richmond her son Nat, Whittlesea Primary School principal, Ty Hoggins, students Margaret and Willow and VicRoads project engineers. There were no City of Whittlesea councillors at the event.
