One way to carry out roadworks

By Kath Gannaway
SECTIONS of View and High streets in Healesville will temporarily become one-way streets while the long-awaited roadworks for Healesville and St Brigid’s primary schools take place.
Cars and buses will need to enter View Street from Crowley Road, then travel down High Street.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges has advised that the section of High Street directly in front of the schools will be closed to traffic to ensure student and worker safety. The new traffic arrangement will start on Monday 2 February when students return to school for the year and will continue until work is completed, which is expected to be before the start of term two.
The work includes resurfacing existing parking areas, providing new footpaths and new car parking spaces.
Shire spokeswoman Julie Hedjes said pedestrian access would be maintained along High Street to and from the schools and arrangements had been made with McKenzies Bus Service to unload and collect students at the High and View streets intersection.
Councillor Jeanette McRae said the new traffic arrangements were necessary to allow the work to be completed as quickly and safely as possible.
“The area becomes very busy during school drop-off and pick-up times and it was decided, in consultation with neighbouring residents and local police, that traffic would move more smoothly during the construction phase if everyone was moving in the one direction,” Cr McRae said.
“We ask everyone to take extra care during this time and, hopefully, work can be completed quickly and with minimal inconvenience to all.”
Short-term parent parking will continue on the Healesville Primary School side of View Street while longer-term parking is available in the north half of High Street and in Ryrie Street and Crowley Road.
Parking in the River Street car park, behind the main street shops, is also suggested as an ideal solution to parking hassles.