What we heard

Council response

Traffic lights at the intersection instead of a roundabout

34% (66 participants).

‘I encourage Council to consider a signalised intersection as a safer, more efficient long-term solution for this growing community.’

Council recognises and understands the desire for traffic lights and completed an extensive review of options before developing the proposal. A roundabout was chosen based on the following:

• Modelling shows that a roundabout provides a more efficient traffic flow and safer operation for vehicles than traffic lights. Modelling with traffic lights shows queuing at the rail crossing and freeway interchange. It is highly likely that the Victorian Department of Transport would object to a signalised intersection for these reasons.

• Delivering traffic lights takes three to four years and cannot easily be fast tracked due to the lead time for approval from external authorities. In addition, many underground services would have to be moved. We have carefully designed a roundabout to avoid services and anticipate a roundabout can be installed in the 2026/2027 financial year (subject to approvals).

• The construction of traffic lights takes 9-12 months with significant traffic management and disruption during this period. A roundabout can be constructed in six weeks with majority of the disruption over the school holidays without impacting traffic on Leakes Road in peak times.

• The Rockbank Precinct Structure Plan shows a roundabout as the ultimate configuration, with developer funding collected accordingly. Should traffic lights be constructed, this would require funding a $10 million dollar intersection upgrade out of Council’s budget before converting it to a roundabout once the road network reverts to what is planned in the Rockbank Precinct Structure Plan.

While we understand the community desire for traffic lights and the rationale above demonstrates it is not an appropriate solution. For your reference the Rockbank Precinct Structure Plan is available here.

Traffic lights at the Western Freeway exits, with concerns that the new roundabout would encourage traffic to turn left off the Freeway exit.

22% (41 participants)

‘Half of traffic issues can be resolved if we can put traffic lights on the freeway ramp’.

The Western Freeway, including the interchange with Leakes Road, is the responsibility of the Victorian Government. Council has been advocating for the upgrade of the Western Freeway for many years and welcomed the recent announcement by the Federal Government of a commitment of 1 billion dollars to upgrade the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, noting details of the specific components of the upgrade are not known at this stage. Council will continue to advocate for this vital infrastructure.

The upgrade of the Western Freeway is a key focus of our Moving Melton advocacy campaign.

Pedestrian lights or a raised pedestrian crossing on Leakes Road to improve safety for those crossing the road.

14% (27 participants)

‘Is it possible to also add a raised crossing across Leakes Road, as the busy traffic can make it difficult to get from the train station to Westcott parade, I see many kids walking to school.’

We understand and have heard the community’s desire to improve the safety of pedestrians crossing Leakes Road.

The proposed roundabout treatment will reduce traffic speeds as vehicles approach the roundabout and includes three new pedestrian refuges on Leakes Road to make crossing safer.

A raised crossing does not align with Austroads guidelines, which recommends against priority crossings on roads with high traffic volumes with evidence suggesting they create an increased risk for pedestrians.

Pedestrian signals also present issues due to the proximity to the freeway interchange and level crossing and risks associated to the queuing of cars.

While pedestrian lights or a raised crossing cannot be provided in this case, Council is working to fast track the developer-delivered signals approximately 200m south of the rail line.

We welcome the reduction to 50kmh on Leakes Road and will continue to seek opportunities to improve safety for pedestrians crossing Leakes Road.

Supported the plans and wanted it to start as soon as possible.

10% (20 participants)

‘I'd really like to see this project significantly prioritised, with completion earlier than late 2026. It's currently quite unsafe and not fit for purpose.’

We are working to deliver this project as soon as possible.

The proposed roundabout would be the fastest way to improve Leakes Road near Rockbank Station.

additional parking at the Rockbank Station.

5% (10 participants)

‘Can you please provide more parking at Rockbank station; the station is filled up at 6:30am.’

Council has long advocated for additional parking at the Rockbank Station.

delivery of a long-term for the area.

3% (7 participants)

‘I'd like to see the creation of Rockbank Road as per the original plans to proceed.’

The long-term solution of the new Rockbank Road and modification of Leakes Road is dependent on a number of factors, including the rate of development in the area and commitments from the Victorian or Australian Governments.

Council is advocating for the new road alignment with the Victorian Government.