Lights in the works for busy intersection

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A new set of traffic lights at a busy South Morang intersection will help to ease congestion and reduce travel times for motorists, according to Whittlesea council.

Council awarded a contract for the installation of lights at the intersection of Findon and Williamsons roads at its meeting on Tuesday, July 16.

Council said the traffic lights will provide residents with safe access to a number of nearby community facilities, including schools, train stations and shopping centres.

In addition to the traffic lights, the project also includes road widening, drainage works, installation of streetlights, signage, line marking and landscape works.

The intersection upgrade follows the completion of the Findon Road extension, running from Williamsons Road to Danaher Drive, in June last year.

The $15 million extension delivered a critical new east-west link that has helped to ease congestion.

The extension resulted in a more even distribution of traffic across the local road network, particularly relieving congestion on McDonalds Road and around the Mill Park Lakes residential area.

The extension featured the creation of additional lanes, a walking and cycling path aligned with the existing Yan Yean Pipe Track and a road bridge over the underpass to Mernda.

Council said temporary signals have been in place to manage traffic at the intersection with Williamsons Road since the extension was opened.

Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the signalised intersection will help to improve traffic flow in an increasingly busy part of the municipality.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve our traffic network so residents can travel quickly and safely to and from the places they need to go, such as work, school and the shops,” Ms Wilson said.

“The Findon Road extension and now this signalised intersection will help motorists go about their everyday lives while spending less time in their cars.”

It is expected work on the project will start in late 2024 and finish in mid-to-late-2025.