By BRIDGET COOK
THE City of Casey will put the pressure on VicRoads to install a pedestrian crossing to the new Springhill Shopping Centre, so residents don’t have to dodge busy traffic.
At last week’s council meeting, councillors moved to meet with VicRoads to discuss installing a pedestrian crossing along Thompsons Road to give those living in the Sierra and Courtenay Gardens estates better access to the new centre.
Councillor Amanda Stapledon said they had raised this issue before, but did not have a successful outcome.
“It is even more important today with the increase in pedestrian traffic,” she said.
“Residents from nearby estates can’t cross the road safely.
“The nearest pedestrian crossing is about one kilometre away.
“The safety of our residents is paramount and the current situation where residents from the Sierra and Courtenay Gardens estates having to cross a multiple lane road in order to reach their local shopping centre is placing them at risk.
“A meeting with VicRoads will help explore ways of providing a safe signalised pedestrian crossing between the Cranbourne-Narre Warren Road and Rosebank Drive, Cranbourne North.”
Local resident Lauren Fredrickson said a pedestrian crossing was desperately needed.
“It’s just a very busy road and extremely dangerous trying to cross it, especially with kids and a stroller,” she said.
“You can wait up to 15 minutes just to cross the road at the moment.”
VicRoads Metropolitan South East acting regional director Frank De Santis said they would look into the request.
“VicRoads receives many requests for pedestrian projects, which are considered and prioritised based on various factors including pedestrian volumes and demographics, the location of public amenities, traffic volumes and project costs,” he said.
“VicRoads will work with Casey Council to assess the request for a pedestrian crossing at this location.
“In the meantime, VicRoads will continue to monitor the safety and operation of the road at this location.”
