Will a road closure solve the problem?

By Kate Taylor

Council is set to put a stop to through traffic on a Bacchus Marsh street after complaints from local residents.

Bacchus St, Maddingley, will be closed to through traffic at the end of the existing sealed section.

The sealed section of Bacchus Street connects with Barry Street at the western end, while 230m of Bacchus Street at the eastern end remains unsealed and provides through access to Werribee Vale Road, and then onto Halletts Way.

Residents raised concerns as part of a request to put a permanent barrier in the street, citing increases in dust and noise on the unsealed section – particularly since the opening of the Halletts Way extension.
Council conducted traffic counts along Bacchus St and sent a survey to owners of properties adjoining it, to gauge support for the requested permanent barrier.

“Of the responses received, nine residences provided support for a closure at the proposed location (including the original requestors), and five residences objected,” read a report tabled at the February council meeting.

The objections to the proposal were generally from properties located at the eastern end of Bacchus Street and were provided on the basis that the unsealed section provided ease of access to Halletts Way via Werribee Vale Road.

Two supporters spoke at the meeting, during which more local traffic issues were raised – “not only are motorists cutting across the grassed area onto McCrae St, but there are also reports of motorists dodging bollards and driving up onto footpaths.”

A potential upgrade of Werribee Vale Road planned by council was also mentioned.

In terms of Bacchus St, local resident of 40 years Donald Journet best summed up the supporter’s side.

“My message is simply: close the road,” he told the meeting.

Council is now seeking submissions from the public on the proposed road closure.