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19 MAY, 2026
Fix Leakes Road By Jack O’Shea-Ayres Residents in Melbourne’s west are calling on the state government to make immediate safety upgrades to Leakes Road and the Western Freeway interchange in Rockbank. Concerned residents are calling the stretch of road a “critical danger zone”, stating it lacks essential safety infrastructure, including traffic signals on the freeway ramps and adequate lighting on the overpass. Donna Southern is heading the campaign for a revamp of Leakes Road, originally calling for lights to be installed at the interchange back in February last year after starting the Leakes Needs Lights community group. Requests to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) resulted in a 10km/h speed reduction and the installation of stop signs along the interchange.
The potential consequences of continuing delay are catastrophic. How much is a life worth - Donna Southern
Adam Roberts, Robyn Kennedy, Donna Southern and Braidyn Withers are all calling for improvements and infrastructure upgrades at the Leakes Road/ Western Freeway Interchange. (Damjan Janevski) 552696_04
the Leakes Road overpass, stating current infrastructure leaves drivers blinded by other commuters’ lights in pitch-black conditions. “It is pitch black at night … It is difficult to see the road markings at night or during rain,” Ms Southern explained. The campaign also calls for repairs to potholes along the roads, described as a “moonscape” where potholes are repeatedly fi xed and reopened by commuting vehicles. “They get patched once and reopen the next month. It’s getting worse,” Ms Southern said. The federal government has committed $50 million in this year’s budget to upgrade the Western Freeway, with discussions
currently underway between the federal and state governments to identify and prioritise upgrades. A state government spokesperson said upgrade works will make a number of improvements which address residents’ concerns, with confirmation pending. “The Western Freeway upgrade will improve safety, road capacity and freeway access, including around the Leakes Road interchange,” the spokesperson said. “The project is currently undertaking site investigations and planning work, with the scope to be confirmed over the coming months.” But Ms Southern believes time is crucial to avoid serious injuries or death.
“The potential consequences of continuing delay are catastrophic,” Ms Southern said. “How much is a life worth, and weigh this up with the cost of installing traffic lights.” Campaigners are aiming to receive 10,000 signatures in support of the proposed safety implementations. Concerned residents will also rally in support of road upgrades on Sunday 24 May from noon at 11 Commercial Road in Caroline Springs. Petition: https://www.parliament.vic. gov.au/get-involved/petitions/improveroad-safety-and-infrastructure-at-leakesroad-and-western-freeway-interchangerockbank/
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“Merely the Band-Aid …residents have grown more disheartened and frustrated,” Ms Southern said. According to VicRoads crash data, 23 collisions where emergency services attended have occurred at the Rockbank section of Leakes Road since the beginning of 2024. “Road safety at the Leakes Road interchange has been a major concern for local residents for many years,” Ms Southern said. “We are one of the fastest-growing corridors in the country and our road infrastructure is not keeping pace, it is deteriorating, full of potholes, not fit for purpose and is downright dangerous,” she said. “There are not enough temporary or short-term safety measures being implemented, and little regard for residents in this respect.” Campaigners have also called for adequate lighting to be installed along