Work to install traffic lights at one of Craigieburn’s most notoriously congested intersections has finally started.
Tradesmen were on site last Tuesday to lay the foundations for new lights at the corner of Hanson and Craigieburn roads.
To the delight of commuters, Craigieburn residents and nearby business owners, the project is starting on time after Yarra Valley Water completed upgrades to mains pipes near the intersection, a prerequisite to installation of the traffic lights.
There were concerns earlier this year that approvals from Hume council and VicRoads for the Yarra Valley Water works would delay work on the lights.
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell and Hume mayor Adem Atmaca were on site last Tuesday to inspect the first stage of works and were thrilled the upgrade is under way.
Mr Mitchell said the intersection was one of the biggest issues Craigieburn residents had raised with him over the past four years.
“As someone who lived in Craigieburn for over 10 years, I know how this intersection has been a constant pain for locals,” Mr Mitchell said.
Mr Atmaca said Hume council had also campaigned for years to make the intersection safer.
“It’s such a busy corner because many drivers pass through it as they commute from Craigieburn’s business and shopping precinct to the new residential areas in the north and west,” he said.
The federal government has contributed $612,342 to the $790,000 project.
Subject to weather conditions, works are due to be finished by August.
