Safe to cross

By Tania Martin
MOUNT Evelyn mums could soon cross the town’s notorious Wray Crescent and York Road intersection without taking their lives into their hands.
After more than 12 years, the $1 million project is set to jump its final hurdle with works expected to begin in August.
Yarra Ranges Council last week announced the project, which includes traffic signals and a pedestrian crossing, was one step closer, with tenders called.
It has been a joint project between all arms of government with the Commonwealth contributing $573,000, council $287,000 and the State Government $238,000.
Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan said there had been extensive community consultation in a bid to make the intersection safe.
“Finding a solution that works for so many different stakeholders has been challenging,” he said.
Mount Evelyn Township Improvement Committee (METIC) secretary Jan Simmons said it was great to finally see it happen.
“We have all watched mums with prams and a dog trying to cross the road – it’s diabolical,” she said.
“But I’m not sure traffic lights are the answer…we have all seen traffic line up and it will only get worse with lights.”
However, Ms Simmons said at least residents and visitors would be able to cross that notorious section of road without risking their lives.
She said there were a number of issues to consider when looking at the project including the traffic flow.
“At the end of the day, we couldn’t leave it the way it was, it was just a nightmare to cross,” Ms Simmons said.
She said it had been a long-road to get to this point with residents first raising the issue when Monbulk MP James Merlino was a local councillor more than 12 years ago.
“It been a bit of a journey,” Ms Simmons said.
Ideally, Ms Simmons believes an overpass bridge would have worked better than lights.
“But I am only one voice,” she said.
Ms Simmons said the project would put parents’ minds at rest, even letting their children walk to school now.
“A lot don’t allow their kids to walk because of the fears of them being hit,” she said.
Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe said it was terrific to see it finally moving forward.
But she said it should never have taken so long.
“It’s outrageous it’s taken this long since our first petition in 2002 calling for actions,” Ms Simmons said.
“It’s just fortunate there hasn’t been any serious injuries…thank God it’s finally happening.”
Tenders for the project will close tomorrow (9 June), but won’t be finalised until a planning permit is approved.
The council expects work to begin in August.