Safety overhaul nears completion at dangerous intersection

A major safety upgrade of the notorious City Rd-Power St intersection is nearing completion with works expected to finish by the end of March.

The $3.8 million overhaul, which has involved realigning the intersection and widening footpaths, comes after a truck hit and injured five people in a horrific incident in May 2021.

The Department of Transport (DoT) said installation of underground infrastructure works had progressed well allowing for proposed traffic signals and public lighting. 

Works, which began in October last year, has seen traffic lanes reconfigured on City Rd to make room for a new wider footpath and new traffic island on Power St, while pavement works and temporary traffic line marking have been completed, a DoT spokesperson said.

“We thank the everyone for their patience as we deliver these works, which are expected to be completed by the end of March, weather permitting,” the spokesperson said.

The upgrade will also result in all lanes being shifted on City Rd at the intersection.

After the crash, the community launched a petition calling for all heavy vehicles to be removed along the dangerous stretch of road, which is popular for accessing the nearby West Gate Freeway.

Southbank Residents’ Association president Tony Penna has maintained that while the final design of the intersection “certainly goes some way” to addressing safety concerns, trucks needed to be banned.

An automated pedestrian crossing and sensors to trigger changes to traffic lights were part of several short-term safety measures introduced soon after the crash including plastic bollards and planter boxes, as well as signs and markings warning of turning trucks – at a cost of $400,000 to the state government.

However, bollards were bowled over by a truck within 24 hours of the safety measures being installed, along with a street sign. In a third incident, which occurred two months later, a truck clipped a car before dragging it onto the side of the footpath as it turned left from City Rd.

During the works, crews will be on site nightly between 10pm and 6am, Sunday to Thursday. City Rd and Power St is open to traffic during the works, with lane closures and traffic barriers in place to keep crews and motorists safe.

Drivers have been encouraged to plan and allow extra time when travelling through the intersection. •

Caption: Safety improvements are being made at the City Rd-Power St intersection.