More time needed to cross ‘crazy’ Plenty Rd intersection, police warn

It’s been slammed as one of the most congested roads in Melbourne and now there is a new problem along Bundoora’s Plenty Rd. But this time it's the pedestrians who are being caught up in the drama.

Police say more time is needed for pedestrians to cross the intersection safely at Plenty Rd-Settlement Rd-Bent St in Bundoora. Picture: Hamish Blair

Pedestrians dangerously darting across six lanes of traffic and tram tracks at one of Plenty Rd’s busiest intersections need more time to cross, according to police.

It can take “several minutes” for a pedestrian to walk from one side of Plenty Rd to the other during peak periods at the Plenty Rd-Settlement Rd-Bent St intersection.

And Greensborough Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Ashley Hodges said there was not enough room in the middle of the road for pedestrians to wait.

He said five more seconds could be the difference to preventing a serious incident at the site.

“You can’t get from one side of Plenty Rd to the other in one hit and what ends up happening is people are either rushing across or then get stuck waiting in the middle where the tram stop is,” he said.

“But there is very little room to wait there — it’s got to be looked at in extending the time for pedestrians to get across.”

The limited space pedestrians have while waiting between traffic and passing trams at the Plenty Rd-Settlement Rd-Bent St intersection.

Acting Sen-Sgt Hodges said the popular intersection was positioned at the heart of one of Bundoora’s busiest activity hubs.

“There are schools, sports facilities, apartment towers and a major shopping centre all nearby — the foot traffic going through this intersection will only increase, so something has to be done,” he said.

“I was there on a Friday during school pick-up and saw the crossing guard call back people multiple times so people need to remember the lights are their for their own safety and not to ignore them.”

A total of 44 pedestrians out of 75 who voted in a Leader poll also agreed more time was needed to safely cross the notorious intersection.

Eltham’s Finn Deacey described the section of road as “crazy”.

“I’ve been there and almost gotten run over,” he said.

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VicRoads manager of movement and safety for the Metro North West region Jason Stakic said the intersection would be investigated.

“We’re reviewing safety along Plenty Rd and will determine the need for any improvements,” he said.

“It’s important we balance the needs of drivers, trams and pedestrians — who are some of our most vulnerable road users.”

About 52,000 vehicles travel along Plenty Rd every day, with 4000 of those commercial vehicles.

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