Let there be lights

Many residents are extremely pleased to see the newly installed traffic lights at the intersection of Houdini Drive and Vineyard Road in Diggers Rest.

The lights are part of the infrastructure upgrades associated with the development of the Bloomdale housing estate.

Following a fatal collision at the intersection in October 2015, the developers worked to fast track the installation after local resident Jayleen Joury created an online petition.

According to Tom Lay, Traffic Engineer for the City of Melton, the new traffic signals are under the management of VicRoads.

It’s understood that Jemena is responsible for establishing power to the new lights, which may still take a couple of months to activate.

VicRoads design and compliance project manager for metro north west has confirmed that the main hold up is establishing power at the signal from Jemena.

“Once power and meter is connected by the power retail, VicRoads can safely install the controller box and switch on the signal”.

Meanwhile, Melton Council has advised that the intersection is still operating under traffic management and in the same fashion prior to the lights, under a reduced traffic speed.

Temporary street lighting is also in place to ensure the intersection is safe for drivers travelling through the area.

Jemena were contacted, however are yet to respond.