Re-election road

By Dion Teasdale
MOTORIST and pedestrian safety were the focus of a $10.5 million Bracks Government re-election package unveiled in the Yarra Valley last week.
Transport Minister Peter Batchelor, in Yarra Glen on Friday, announced a re-elected Bracks Government would contribute $9 million to the cost of a truck bypass around the town.
A day earlier, during a visit to Coldstream, Mr Batchelor announced construction of $1.5 million set of traffic lights at the intersection of Maroondah and Melba highways if his Government is returned to power.
Mr Batchelor said the bypass would involve constructing a new road within the existing road reservation from the Healesville-Yarra Glen road north to the Melba Highway.
“The Yarra Glen township has about 1300 trucks a day rumbling up and down Bell Street,” Mr Batchelor said.
“The truck bypass will not only improve road safety but will greatly improve the amenity of this beautiful area.”
Seymour MP Ben Hardman was delighted with the $9 million pledge towards the $15 million project which the Shire of Yarra Ranges has committed $500,000 toward.
“This bypass will not only reduce the number of trucks and other through traffic using Bell Street, it will be good for businesses in Bell Street,” he said.
Mr Batchelor said the Federal Government had indicated its support for the bypass project and was considering the Shire of Yarra Ranges’s request for the remaining $5.5 million in funding through its AusLink program.
He said the bypass would not encroach upon the Yarra Glen Racecourse or any existing residential areas.
Mike Dalmau, Liberal candidate for Seymour, welcomed Mr Batchelor’s promise to fund the bypass and said he expected a Liberal Government to match the funding commitment.
“I’ve been advocating for this for a long time and I know this project is essential for the future of Yarra Glen,” he said.
Mr Batchelor said the new traffic lights in Coldstream would improve road safety, improve access for local traffic and reduce delays at the busy intersection.
“Both roads are significant thoroughfares for residents and tourists, with more people heading to the Yarra Valley every year,” he said.
“Importantly, these lights will improve the flow of traffic for people getting onto Maroondah Highway from Killara Road and Station Street.”
However, Christine Fyffe, Liberal candidate for Evelyn, accused the Bracks Government of following her lead.
In September Ms Fyffe announced that a Liberal Government would install a $300,000 set of traffic lights at the intersection of the Maroondah Highway and Killara Road.
“Lights at the intersection of Maroondah and Melba highways will do nothing for pedestrian safety,” she said.
Evelyn MP Heather McTaggart defended the location of the traffic improvements.
She said the Maroondah-Melba Highway intersection had been the site of two casualty crashes in the past five years which had resulted in six people being seriously injured.
“The local community have identified the need for traffic lights at this intersection,” she said.
Marjorie Woollands, Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce president, said the Yarra Glen community welcomed Mr Batchelor’s bypass and traffic light projects.
“The Chamber of Commerce has been a long supporter of the bypass proposal,” she said.
“Now with heavy traffic and through-traffic using the bypass, the town of Yarra Glen will be returned to the community and the many tourists who come to enjoy the town’s wonderful facilities,” she said.
Ms Woollands said the traffic lights to be installed at the junction of the Maroondah and Melba Highways would also help ease traffic congestion in the area.