By Bridget Brady
At a Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce meeting discussing a possible Cranbourne bypass are, from left, David Cotterill from SKM, Casey Council’s city strategy team leader Asok Rao and Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce vice-president Chris Russell. 47473
PRELIMINARY results from a traffic study show that a bypass might not have an adverse economic impact on Cranbourne.
David Cotterill, a principal economist with SKM, shared his company’s findings to date on the social impacts of a possible Cranbourne Bypass with local traders on Wednesday morning.
Casey Council is supporting calls for a bypass and has commissioned the study, which is due to be finished by late June.
Mr Cotterill found few shoppers perused High Street, and generally had an item in mind to buy when they came.
“Most come for a specific item but not to walk up and down the street to browse,” Mr Cotterill said.
“You’re not reliant on visitors coming through and stopping and the sheer growth in Cranbourne will take up any slack.”
A recent traffic study revealed about 35 per cent of trucks that used High Street were considered through traffic, and did not stop.
“There is quite a shift in the amount of traffic that actually goes through Cranbourne and doesn’t stop.”
The amenity of High Street would be improved with fewer trucks and a decrease in traffic generally, Mr Cotterill said.
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said the future economic prosperity of the Cranbourne Shopping Centre precinct would improve significantly with a bypass.
“And it will create a vibrant atmosphere where people feel comfortable to shop, dine and enjoy High Street’s offerings,” Cr Wreford said.
“With a never-ending convoy of trucks and cars posing a danger to pedestrians and commuters along High Street, it is vitally important for our residents that this project is made a reality.”
Mr Cotterill said other factors to consider about whether a bypass would be viable included the upgrade of other main roads.
A State Government spokesman said there were no current plans for a Cranbourne bypass.
“The Cranbourne Township Bypass Study indicated that an improved Clyde Road/Berwick-Cranbourne Road/Clyde Five Ways Road would more effectively cater for regional through traffic and, in particular, heavy trucks and buses,” the spokesman said.
