Cr Colleen Gates, Hobsons Bay Mayor

Hobsons Bay Council intends to advocate for a partnership to improve the railway level crossings replacements at Williamstown North and Laverton.

Mayor Cr Colleen Gates say there is an opportunity to implement recommended upgrades, which would complement the Level Crossing Removal Projects.

Cr Gates says the Council wants to work in co-operation with the State Governent to work in tandem.

“Last year we asked the State Government to consider incorporating a pedestrian and cycling access point as part of the bridge strengthening project – but sadly, despite earlier promises, it wasn’t included in the brief,” Cr Gates said.

“People on bikes and foot currently need to make a considerable detour to safely cross the river downstream, with many choosing instead to take the risky shortcut and use the narrow shoulder on the road bridge, crossing alongside cars, trucks and buses. We all pay taxes to the State Government and deserve to see those taxes invested back into state level infrastructure in our immediate area.

“Furthermore, 25 per cent of Hobsons Bay’s population should not be cut off from the rest of our municipality.

“Add your voice to our campaign and join our call for $1.5 million in State Government funding to be allocated in the forthcoming State Budget this October, to build the safe and accessible shared user crossing that our local community deserves,” Cr Gates said.

Hobsons Bay Council has adopted the Aviation Rd, Laverton, and Ferguson St, Williamstown North, Level Crossing Precinct Plans.

Both of the precinct plans include imrpovements such as safety including cyclist, pedestrian and vehicular, amenity and open space opportunities.

At Aviation Rd, Laverton, an important pedestrian underpass to connect commuters to the nearby Aircraft Station will be completed in Stage 2, in parallel with level crossing removal works at Werribee and Cherry Sts in Werribee.

The final Ferguson St Precinct Plan features an integrated multimodal transport hub, enhanced open space offerings and improved connectivity for the community of Williamstown and beyond.

Traffic measures will be considered at a later date.