By Emma Xerri
Lyall Street has reopened to vehicles and pedestrians, fresh with a new set of traffic lights, as part of the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade.
The traffic lights were switched on recently, with Lyall Street now connected with New Holland Drive to create a four-way signalised intersection, including a new pedestrian crossing.
Students of Casey Grammar school were among the first to enjoy the new crossing, joined by principal Fiona Williams, who believes the crossing will be an important step in making travel to and from school safer.
“I am excited to see the newly upgraded signalised intersection at New Holland and Lyall Street now partially open,” Ms Williams said.
“This development represents a significant enhancement in ensuring the safety of our students who navigate this bustling intersection daily.
“As we eagerly anticipate this intersection’s full accessibility to vehicles, we are confident that the improvements will provide a seamless and secure journey to school for our dedicated parents.
“Together, we celebrate this positive step towards a safer and more efficient school community.”
The upgrade also features more than nine kilometres of shared walking and cycling paths, providing a better connection to the nearby educational institutions, Casey Stadium, Casey RACE and the Cranbourne main street shopping area.
“Connecting Lyall Street and New Holland Drive with a new intersection with traffic lights and pedestrian crossings will provide a safer and smoother connection to the nearby education and sports precinct,” Major Road Projects Victoria program director Marc Peterson said.
“We know the community will greatly benefit from this project once it’s complete and we want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we carry out this work.”
While Lyall Street was closed, crews installed a large amount of underground drainage, relocated utility services and added extra lanes.
And works will continue in this area – with lane closures and changed traffic conditions at times – to finish the slip lanes onto Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road at the New Holland Drive and Lyall Street intersections.
Additionally, the Hall Road Upgrade is approaching completion in the next few months, and works to build the new northbound lanes on Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road and join the new service road into the main lanes will continue.
The new Rochester Parade intersection will also be opening later this month, and crews will start upgrading the intersection at Camms Road and Rochester Parade by adding extra lanes on Narre Warren-Cranbourne and Camms Road.
Stage 2 works on the Berwick-Cranbourne Road intersection will also begin from 8pm on Thursday 29 February until early June.
