Safety boost as Derrimut- Hopkins Road works finished

The safety of drivers travelling between Wyndham and Melton has been improved by the completion of roadworks on Derrimut- Hopkins Road, the state government says.

The government spent $5.8 million on safety improvements along Derrimut Road between Leakes Road and the Western Freeway as part of the Safer Road Infrastructure Program.

The works included a new roundabout at the intersection of Derrimut and Dohertys roads, which Western Metropolitan Liberal MP Andrew Elsbury said would make the intersection safer.

The speed limit has been lowered from 100km/h to 80km/h on the road, which carries about 20,000 vehicles a day.

The intersection has a history of near- misses and collisions, with 11 crashes resulting in four serious injuries in five years to last December. The most recent crash was on October 9 when a car and a truck collided.

Other safety improvements along the
9.8-kilometre stretch include wire-rope barriers and guard rails, upgraded signs and the removal of roadside hazards such as tree stumps.

“These works have been specifically designed to reduce the risk of further serious crashes and provide immediate safety benefits for motorists,” Mr Elsbury said.

“Residential and business development in Melton and Wyndham is rapidly increasing so it’s essential that we implement a safe road network that will support growth in these regions.”