‘Significant’ number of crashes at notorious Essendon roundabout

A choked roundabout in Essendon North used by trams, cars and pedestrians will not be replaced with traffic lights despite someone being killed at the notorious intersection last year.

Essendon North junction has been the scene of many car crashes and collisions with pedestrians.

There are no plans to replace a controversial roundabout at North Essendon junction despite a man being killed crossing the street there last year.

Traders say they witness at least one crash a week at the junction.

The roundabout, at the intersection of Mt Alexander, Keilor, Bulla and Lincoln roads, in Essendon North, has two sets of tram tracks, two slip lanes and six lanes of traffic travelling at 60km/h.

There is one set of pedestrian crossing lights at the northern end of the junction but many people are forced to use pedestrian crossings to access the shopping strip on either side of the road.

Council documents showed there was “a significant number of crashes” at the intersection.

It’s difficult for drivers to see people trying to cross the road because of the multiple lanes, with pedestrians hidden by the car that stops in the first lane.

Three years ago, Essendon trader Laura Taylor warned someone would be killed at the roundabout and, in November last year, a 92-year-old Pascoe Vale South man died in hospital after being struck by a car on Mt Alexander Rd.

Ms Taylor said she had also witnessed “many accidents” in the past 13 years.

The pedestrian crossings at Essendon North Junction can be frightening to cross because cars in other lanes can’t see you start to cross.

Moonee Valley Council documents showed a review of VicRoads crash statistics found there was “a significant number of crashes” at the intersection and that an integrated transport improvement approach into addressing road safety, congestion, pedestrian, cycling and transport issues was required.

The council has asked Roads Minister Jaala Pulford to approve traffic lights at the junction to replace the roundabout and “provide a safe road environment” that would “greatly enhance the opportunity for cycling and walking participation in North Essendon”.

Essendon Traders Association president Mark Errichiello said there was a crash or accident at the roundabout about once a week.

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“It’s a confusing roundabout. You have to give way to four lanes, pedestrians and trams,” he said.

Department of Transport spokesman Cameron Tait said safety was the department’s “highest priority”.

“We recently installed new signage at the Mount Alexander Rd and Fletcher St intersection to remind drivers to slow down and be aware of pedestrians crossing the road. We also improved line marking at the intersection to reduce confusion for drivers moving through the roundabout,” he said.

Moonee Valley Mayor Narelle Sharpe said safety at the intersection continued to be a concern and a priority for the council.

“I personally have been lobbying for improvements for years. The state of the junction is unacceptable,” Cr Sharpe said.

She said Ms Pulford had indicated that VicRoads would work with the council “to prepare a funding submission for a future program”.

Mr Tait would not answer questions from Leader about how much it would cost to replace the roundabout with traffic lights.

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