Tara Murray
A series of speed humps will be installed along Masons Road as part of Whittlesea council’s ongoing efforts to reduce traffic and accidents on the busy thoroughfare.
The popular east-west shortcut is a hotspot for road accidents, with residents calling on the council to make the road safer and help reduce the risk of accidents especially on the gravel part of the road.
Earlier this year, council conduct a one way trial on Masons Road, but community feedback found residents were in favour of the road remaining two-way.
Council then proposed to build a modified T-intersection on the road, but the proposal drew strong opposition from residents, with a petition signed by 112 people presented to council.
Chair of administrators Lydia Wilson said the road had been a long term issue which had seen plenty of different resolutions.
“A number of online consultation sessions have made it clear to all of us, administrators and officers, residents are calling on council to make the road safer and reduce the risk of accidents.
“Emergency services weren’t happy with a full or partial closure, or restricted to one way.
“We’ve considered the outcomes and a petition.”
The 15 speed humps on Masons Road will be installed between Plenty Road and Texel Drive in the new year.
Ms Wilson said the council would continue to work closely with residents and would review the installation of the raised pavements within 24 months of installation.
Administrator Bill Billson said the road wasn’t designed to carry thevolume of traffic that it had been.
Administrator Peita Duncan said the council would look to avoid these problems in the future.
“It’s really important to note, as Whittlesea is one of the fastest-growing municipalities, that we will advocate to upgrade infrastructure,” she said.
“Duplication of Bridge Inn Road will further ease pressure on local roads such as Masons Road, which we are discussing today.”
