DRIVERS who used the notorious Forest Drive intersection with Nepean Highway are being reassured that the road will be improved, but probably not by mid-year, as promised earlier.
The state government has confirmed traffic lights will not be installed until later this year as tenders not yet been let or a contractor appointed.
The government last year gave the green light to upgrading the intersection, three years after the federal government offered to pay for it.
Then Flinders MP Greg Hunt said the federal government had committed more than $20 million to the intersection to include new traffic lights, a new signalised pedestrian crossing and concrete footpaths connecting the intersection to the bus stops.
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesman said designs were being finalised and planning approvals being sought.
The intersection will be widened with extra lanes to improve traffic flow and improve access for large vehicles. Existing bus bays and vehicle pull over areas will be upgraded to provide an improved road surface for drivers to pick up and drop off passengers.
There will be new advanced flashing warning signs on the approach to the intersection to increase awareness of the upcoming traffic lights.
The $10 million Forest Drive and Nepean Highway Intersection upgrade is being paid for by the federal government and will be delivered by the Department of Transport and Planning.
Mornington MP Chris Crewther said he would follow the matter up with the department and the transport minister.
First published in the Mornington News – 14 February 2023
