Bypass push

By Bridget Cook
CASEY council has continued its drive for a Cranbourne Bypass.
Last week, the council voted to talk to VicRoads and state politicians to discuss the benefits of a Cranbourne Bypass, as noted in the Cranbourne Bypass Social Impact Assessment (SIA).
The SIA results led to calls from councillors for the bypass to be built to direct heavy traffic away from High Street, Cranbourne, and call for alternative signage on the Monash Freeway and Thompson Road to re-direct trucks.
The council also decided to meet with VicRoads to discuss the possibility of reducing the speed limit along main street at last week’s council meeting.
Casey councillor Amanda Stapledon said a Cranbourne Bypass has been sought by the Cranbourne Community for more than 30 years.
She said a bypass would benefit the community in many ways including allowing a relaxed and pleasant strip-shopping experience and for cafes and restaurants to establish a friendly and relaxed outdoor entertaining area.
“With the high growth in Cranbourne and surrounding areas, with the increase in visitors wishing to visit the many features of the Cranbourne region, Botanic Gardens, the Racecourse, Casey Fields, Casey RACE and Casey Sports Complex, it is essential that traffic and road issues are addressed in the immediate future,” she said.
The council ran a campaign in 2006 aimed to convince the State Government that Cranbourne needed a bypass.
VicRoads was unable to respond to inquiries by the time the News went to print.