By Brendan Rees
Works on the Western Port Highway and Robinsons Road intersection in Langwarrin South are underway.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan announced on Tuesday, 27 February that works had started on the $6.2 million upgrade to build a new two-lane roundabout.
The upgrade, which is due to be completed mid-2018, would boost safety for drivers and improve traffic flow, he said.
Mr Donnellan said the new roundabout was welcomed news to the Langwarrin South community, which had campaigned for a safety upgrade at the intersection.
He said in the five-year period to June 2015, there had been 17 crashes at the intersection, including seven serious injuries and two fatalities.
“We’ve listened to what locals have had to say about safety at this intersection, now we’re getting with this important upgrade,” Mr Donnellan said.
“We’re investing in the roads that people rely on every day – in a few months this intersection will be safer and less congested.”
Shadow Minister for Roads and Infrastructure David Hodgett said the intersection upgrade was badly needed years ago.
“My colleague and local member, Neale Burgess MP has worked with the local community and petitioned and campaigned for this much needed upgrade for the past few years,” he said.
“It’s a shame that there has to be so many accidents, injuries and fatalities before the Roads Minister, Luke Donnellan is dragged in kicking and screaming to do something about it.”
“It’s taken 17 crashes at this intersection to get Luke Donnellan to do something about it – how is this fair?”
Detours and some changed traffic conditions will be put in place during construction.
