VicRoads is proposing to name the existing Palmers Road bridge in Point Cook in honour of two servicemen who bravely died at that location in 1967.

The proposed name - ‘Lynch Barkley Bridge’ – commemorates Flying Officer Samuel Barkley and Sub-Lieutenant Michael Lynch, aged 23 and 22 respectively, who were killed when their Vampire jet plane crashed near where the bridge stands today.

Sub-Lieutenant Lynch brought the plane down before it may otherwise have crashed onto Geelong Road (now Princes Freeway), potentially saving the lives of many people travelling on the road.

Nial Finegan, VicRoads Regional Director, Metropolitan North West, says there has been strong community interest in naming the Palmers Road Bridge after the servicemen.

‘VicRoads invites the Wyndham community to provide feedback on the proposal to commemorate Flying Officer Barkley and Sub-Lieutenant Lynch’s selfless act,’ said Mr Finegan.

Feedback will be accepted until 11 January 2012.

Submissions can be emailed to: gemma.beard@roads.vic.gov.au or posted to Palmers Road Bridge Naming, Communications, 499 Ballarat Road, Sunshine Victoria 3020.

The bridge is expected to be named early next year.

Media contact: Gemma Beard 9313 1328