THE proposed signalised pedestrian crossing at Mt Eliza where Tower Rd and Volitans Ave join the Nepean Hwy will cost $500,000 and take about three months to construct.
The News reported last week (“Lights for black spot”) the budget was $400,000 but Mornington Peninsula Shire will contribute $100,000 and a grant from the federal government will be $400,000.
It had previously allocated $300,000 but the price went up when VicRoads agreed the lights needed vehicle-activated under-road pads at Tower Rd that will trigger the lights when cars seeking to enter the highway have been waiting a while.
This should stop dangerous manoeuvres by drivers who have run out of patience trying to enter highway traffic.
Dunkley federal MP Bruce Billson said in a statement he was “heartened VicRoads has confirmed it will carry out improvements, as I have been concerned about pedestrian and motorist safety moving around the bustling Mt Eliza village for a number of years”.
He said the project would include the pedestrian traffic signals, “relocation of the southbound bus stop, vehicle detectors, construction of a footpath on the eastern side of the highway, and on-road bicycle treatments”.
“While I am disappointed the state government has not contributed funding to the project and the final VicRoads plans show not all road safety recommendations have been … included, I am pleased there will be extra measures to improve safety at the intersection.” He acknowledged state government agency VicRoads had done the design work and would manage the project.
- Work on a roundabout where Mt Eliza Way meets Wimborne and Kenaud avenues started last week. The $800,000 federal government-funded project includes drainage improvements and remaking of Mt Eliza Way between the roundabout and Nepean Hwy.
First published in the Mornington News – 26 May 2015
