MP hits out at proposed road upgrade, claiming it could lead to catastrophic accidents between trucks and trains
Ruza Zivkusic-Aftasi | March 19, 2012
A Victorian MP has slammed a proposed arterial road upgrade in Melbourne’s west, saying a bypass which would turn a local street into a truck route should “not even be contemplated”.
Don Nardella, who represents the state seat of Melton, has called on Transport Minister Terry Mulder to reject the proposed Crook Street-Fisken Street road upgrade in Bacchus Marsh.
The plan could see a bypass built, and Nardella says it comes with the compulsory acquisition of 16 homes.
“This is totally unacceptable to these families, to me and to the wider community,” he says.
“It should not even be contemplated. It is a dangerous option because the southern part of Fisken Street has a steep incline, producing a dangerous situation for trucks and other vehicles, along with V/Line trains, as there is a railway crossing at the midpoint of this steep hill.
“I am concerned that if a truck’s brakes fail, it will hit a V/Line train going through this crossing.”
Nardella wants Mulder to personally address the families that would be affected by the road upgrade.
“These families are currently beside themselves. It is not a situation that they should be put into and I urge the minister to work through and find a solution that does not compulsory acquire these homes,” he says.