By Laura Michell
Motorists will have to drive through 12 sets of traffic lights over six kilometres on Craigieburn Road if a proposed design for the road’s duplication is adopted.
The Major Road Projects Authority has released its design for the duplication of Craigieburn road, which is being upgraded as part of the state government’s northern roads package. Work is expected to start in 2020.
The authority is proposing to add seven sets of traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing to the road. There are currently five sets of lights and one pedestrian crossing.
Lights will replace roundabouts at Mickleham Road, Waterview Boulevard and Hardy Avenue. New lights will also be added at Balyang Way, Dorchester Street and Cimberwood Drive intersection, as well as at the entrance to Craigieburn Road from the Hume Highway.
A pedestrian crossing will be installed near DS Aitken Reserve, while a number of intersections will be changed to only left in, left out.
Many residents have taken to social media to complain about the number of traffic lights included in the proposed design, suggesting that some of the lights should be replaced with roundabouts to keep traffic flowing.
Craigieburn Road duplication campaigner Jim Overend said the proposed design didn’t provide residents with a lot of information.
“We need a lot more details,” said. “We need proper drawings of what is proposed, not just 14 yellow dots on a line. There are a lot of traffic lights, which means traffic will be pushed through side streets.”
Major Road Projects Authority suburban roads upgrade director Peter Jones said the “crucial” upgrade would slash congestion, improve traffic flow and boost access for more than 28,000 drivers a day.
“Locals who’ve spent years grappling with bad traffic during peak times on Craigieburn Road can now help shape a better and safer road, with extra lanes and intersection improvements,” he said.
