HOBSONS BAY: Blackshaws Rd safety concerns
Western Metropolitan MLC David Ettershank (pictured) has called on the State Government to address the lack of pedestrian safety along Blackshaws Rd in Altona.
“The development of the proposed Altona North precinct along Blackshaws Rd will see 3000 more dwellings added to the area and even more vehicles using Blackshaws Rd over the coming ,” Mr Ettershank said.
“Blackshaws Rd is already dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, with only a single traffic light and an ironically named pedestrian refuge in front of the Elizabeth St shopping strip being the only safe place to cross between Millers Rd and the Melbourne Rd overpass, a distance of some five kilometres.
“The intersection at Millers Rd is particularly treacherous and not fit to cope with the rising number of vehicles on the road. It desperately needs an upgrade to help reduce the number of accidents occurring there.
“One of my constituents is vision-impaired and gets around with the aid of a guide dog and a mobility cane. In 2023 she and her guide dog were hit by a car on the Blackshaws Rd left-turning lane zebra crossing.
“The rest of Blackshaws Rd needs more
traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. It is only a matter of time before a pedestrian or cyclist is killed on this busy road.”