By Brendan Rees
A Casey councillor has joined calls for a pedestrian crossing to be installed on Evans Road in Lynbrook to make it safer for those using a Sikh temple.
Cr Damien Rosario has thrown his support behind the Sikh community’s pleas for the crossing, adding up to 15,000 cars a day would use Evans Road once it re-opens in 2020.
“With that many cars going through now is the time to take a look at and to advocate for an appropriate pedestrian crossing,” he said.
“This is a matter of safety and given that we have a Federal Election coming up I’m hoping perhaps or even from the State Government or both we can get some funding to help ensure that crossing does happen prior to the road being opened.”
Evans Road has been closed at the level crossing since 2005, dividing the communities of Lyndhurst, Lynbrook and Cranbourne West.
Works on the Evans Road level crossing removal will be fast-tracked with a new road bridge to begin this year and completed by 2020.
Cr Rosario successfully moved an urgent business motion at council’s meeting on 16 April for council officers to advocate for an interim pedestrian crossing and cycle assess to be installed near the Lynbrook Sikh Temple.
Council will also write a letter to Federal Member for Holt Anthony Byrne and Liberal candidate for Holt Jennifer Van den Broek requesting funding be provided for the pedestrian crossing.
“In speaking with council officers and liaising with them they’re very aware of that situation as well which is fantastic,” Cr Rosario said.
Leading the charge on behalf of the Sikh community is Meenu Sachdeva, a volunteer at the temple who says a pedestrian crossing would benefit everyone.
“Something has to be done so the people can actually get across. As a community we need that; it’s a concerne for everyone,” she said.
“Once it’s all done (road works) there will be more people will be visiting and how are we going to cross the road?
“Older people especially, and as well as ourselves with the kids…how are they going to cross the road?
“We don’t want anyone to lose their loved ones,” Ms Sachdeva added.
