TRAFFIC safety through Gruyere

By DION TEASDALE
TRAFFIC safety through Gruyere has been improved, and visitor numbers to attractions in the area are on the increase, thanks to a $2.25 million roadsealing project currently underway.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges, landowners and the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program has jointly funded the project, which involves the sealing of 13 kilometres of roads through Gruyere.
The $1 million Roads to Recovery funding was matched by another $1 million from the community as well as $250,000 from council to upgrade Medhurst Road, Maddens Lane, Killara and Sunnyside roads.
Two thirds of the 13 kilometres of roads currently under construction are now sealed and being used by locals and visitors.
Yarra Ranges councillor Di Moore said the project was an asset to the community.
Warramate wines marketing manager Friederike Church said the road project had already improved access and safety for locals and visitors to the area. “The sealing of Maddens Lane means the road is certainly more practical and it is great to be able to get from Gruyere to Healesville with ease,” she said.
“The road was previously very rough with slippery edges, so some of the safety concerns have been addressed.”
Coldstream Hills cellar door supervisor Jason Steele said the winery had noticed an increased in visitor traffic along Maddens Lane.
“Visitation definitely appears to be up as a direct result of the road being sealed,” he said.
The last Gruyere roads to be upgraded, Sunnyside and Killara, are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges has received more than $6 million over the past four years from the Roads to Recovery program to fund 11 road projects throughout the shire, with most of these projects already completed.