Thursday, 16 November 2023

Croydon electorate roads

David HODGETT (Croydon) (09:50): I rise today to speak on how the Department of Transport and Planning could minimise the impact on residents when a major arterial road is temporarily closed for works by considering more flexible solutions to ease congestion and improve traffic movement. Presently in Croydon Melbourne Water are undertaking a major project, replacing 100-year-old water mains along a 4.5-kilometre pipe track. These works are essential due to recent flooding events. However, part of Dorset Road has had to be closed for a week, meaning that drivers are diverting onto local roads, congesting them so greatly that it is taking some residents up to half an hour to exit their estate. With the current closure of this part of Dorset Road, there are approximately 7000 vehicles diverting onto local streets attempting to avoid the major traffic redirections. These cars are speeding along the back streets, posing a danger to the many families that live there.

The department should work with Melbourne Water to find better solutions. For example, it has been suggested that a change to the timing of lights at the Dorset Road–Mount Dandenong Road, Croydon, intersection could allow for the traffic flow on Mount Dandenong Road to be stopped for several extra seconds, allowing for cars banked up on local streets like Norton Road to enter the stream of traffic and allow for faster clearance of backlogged cars. Temporary lights could have been considered at Norton Road to allow for this same clearance of cars trapped within the estate. However, I understand that VicRoads would not permit this. As a result, my office is receiving many complaints from residents who are being greatly affected by the situation. Melbourne Water are working to complete these works as quickly as they can. The department should be taking action to improve traffic management during this time.