Concerns over QVM pedestrian crossing 

The ongoing closure of traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing near Queen Victoria Market (QVM) has sparked safety and accessibility concerns among market traders and shoppers. 

The traffic signal, situated on Victoria St between Elizabeth and Peel streets, provides the only pedestrian crossing to the market along what is both a busy pedestrian thoroughfare and a major arterial road.

Longtime marketgoer Kaye Oddie said this was a “very big problem” due to shoppers being endangered crossing busy Victoria St.

“It’s not as if it’s a little local street. Victoria St is an arterial road, it gets lots of truck traffic and vehicle traffic,” she said. 

CBD News understands that the signals were turned off due to significant damage that occurred as a part of drainage works by Greater Western Water. 

A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Planning confirmed that they are currently undergoing repair works to restore these traffic signals as quickly as possible.

However, due to the complexity of the repair works, it is expected that they won’t be fixed until late December 2024.

In the interim, two variable message signs have been installed nearby to inform the public about the status of this crossing.

The state member for Melbourne, Ellen Sandell, said that she is willing to investigate why these traffic lights haven’t been opened.

“Our city needs better pedestrian safety and we are always happy to advocate for safer streets and intersections for residents,” she said. •