Lights on, too late

AFTER seven years of requested upgrades and the loss of five lives, VicRoads is installing interim traffic lights at a Lynbrook intersection.
Work has started on the interim lights at the corner of Ormond and Hallam roads and VicRoads said the lights would be ready in about a week.
VicRoads regional director for metro south-east Duncan Elliot said the long-term plan for the intersection would involve installing permanent traffic lights and turning lanes.
The speed limit has been changed to 70km/h.
“We know the community is very concerned about this intersection and we know we need to do something right now,” Mr Elliot said.
He said VicRoads made the intersection its top priority during the past few weeks, but the long-term up-grades were a “complex” job that could take several months.
“We need to widen the intersection, which means services like power and water need to be moved and we may need to acquire land.”
“We also need to look at how the new arrangements will change traffic conditions on nearby roads and intersections, so we can be sure we’re not moving this intersection’s problems to one down the road.”
Mr Elliot asked drivers to be patient while works took place to get the interim lights up and running, saying motorists might face delays.
“We’ll be monitoring the intersection in the weeks after the lights are switched on and will work to fine-tune these to make sure we’ve got traffic flowing the best it can.”
Casey council welcomed the VicRoads upgrade.