Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell is calling for the urgent removal of the Watson Street level crossing, stating it must be seen as a ‘priority project’.
Last month, Ms Lovell spoke in parliament to call on the Government to add the crossing to its list of 110 crossings flagged for removal.
With the Mitchell Shire expected to increase its housing by over 300 per cent, Ms Lovell argued that traffic congestion caused by the crossing is only set to get worse.
Ms Lovell stated that the removal of the crossing should be incorporated into the Wallan Diamond project, which will upgrade the intersection of Watson Street and the Hume Freeway by building southern ramps.
“The Wallan diamond project at the intersection of Watson Street and the Hume Freeway is desperately needed for an important growth area, but has been endlessly delayed by Labor,” she said.
“When the State Government finally starts construction of the Wallan diamond ramps, it must include removal of the level crossing as an essential part of the intersection upgrade.”
Ms Lovell’s call to action joins the list of voices in favour of the removal, including Mitchell Shire Councillor Bob Cornish, who in May this year requested Council call upon the State Government to allocate funds for the crossing’s removal.
“There is extreme congestion at the crossing leading to delays for motorists, particularly during peak hours,” he said.
“As Wallan experiences a period of rapid growth supported by its inclusion within the Urban Growth Boundary, removal of the level crossing is essential to improve traffic flow and enhance connectivity within the community.”
Councillor Annie Goble supported the motion, stating that the removal would improve the lives of Wallan residents and commuters alike.
