Cranbourne West resident Albert Smith, Willow Wood Aged Care Facility manager Margaret Moder, Casey councillor Kevin Bradford and facility residents are calling for a pedestrian crossing to be installed outside the new Sandhurst shopping centre. THE new Cranbourne West shopping centre has created traffic chaos, according to locals.
The Sandhurst Centre opened less than a month ago and introduced a Coles supermarket and seven specialty shops to the area.
However, Casey councillor Kevin Bradford said the increase in traffic has made it almost impossible to cross Duff Street and Monahans Road safely.
Cr Bradford said neighbouring Cranbourne West Primary School and the Willow Wood Aged Care Facility were concerned about the large traffic volumes and trucks frequenting the shopping centre.
“This was my fear in the first place with this development, especially with the number of large trucks delivering stock to the supermarket,” he said.
“It has made it increasingly dangerous for children to cross the road to get to school and for elderly residents in the retirement village opposite.”
Cr Bradford called for council officers at last week’s council meeting to investigate the possibility of installing a pedestrian crossing on the northwest side of the intersection of Duff Street and Monahans Road.
“Officers will treat this as a matter of urgency because it is imperative that the school children can walk safely across the road,” he said.
“The school has a walking school bus program that is very successful but they have been quick to point out the new danger that the shopping centre has brought.
“Hopefully, this report will come back quickly highlighting that a crossing is needed and we can go ahead with it as soon as possible.”
