Parents’ plea for quick fix to deadly Hobsons Bay intersection dashed

Terrified families had hoped a chaotic intersection in Melbourne’s west where a man was struck and killed would be fixed.

Terrified families’ hopes for a solution for a dangerous intersection in Hobsons Bay have been dashed after a council investigation found their hands are tied.

Williamstown residents petitioned the Hobsons Bay Council in October last year urging immediate improvements to the intersection of Ferguson St and Melbourne Rd.

Between 2010 and 2020, six people have been seriously injured in crashes at the intersection while a 59-year-old Williamstown man was struck and killed by a bus in May 2016.

Signatories asked for safety barriers to be installed at the intersection and construction of a pedestrian crossing near the Explorers Early Learning Childcare Centre.

“We are concerned it is only a matter of time before a vehicle mounts the kerb which has high pedestrian traffic including many children,” the petition read.

In response, councillors unanimously endorsed a motion to explore the issue.

A report returned before the Hobsons Bay Council on February 8 identifying that the Department of Transport was the managing authority of the intersection and council cannot make modifications.

Williamstown families have urged for immediate action to a "dangerous" intersection at Melbourne Road and Ferguson Street. Picture: Google Street View

In response, councillors voted to undertake further transport engineering assessments of the intersection and continue advocating to the department for safety changes.

Councillor Jonathon Marsden said residents were “scared” to cross at the intersection and most chose to avoid it.

“On Monday I saw someone very nearly get killed on that intersection,” he said.

“I ride through here every day in both directions, I would never let my child ride her bicycle or cross on foot because of the speed and geometry of the intersection.”

Cr Marsden called on council to “strongly advocate” for the speed to be reduced from 70km to 40km per hour.

Deputy Mayor Diana Grima said the Department of Transport had promised to complete a review of the intersection by April 30.

“This intersection makes me sick to my stomach,” she said. “I’m making a personal plea to the Department of Transport, lets save lives and work for the community.”

Following the 2016 fatality, a review of the intersection found no immediate changes were necessary however tree trimming and sign relocation took place.

A spokesman said the department would continue to monitor traffic operations and would consider future improvements if necessary.

“The Department of Transport will continue to monitor traffic and safety at this intersection – as it does across Victoria’s arterial network,” the spokesman said.