By Tyler Wright
Kalorama’s ‘five ways’ roundabout is set to undergo a revamp in proposed design plans from Yarra Ranges Council now open for public feedback, but some locals are concerned for the future of the historical landmark.
In a draft concept design made in consultation with agencies including PTV and VicRoads, the council has proposed key features for the area’s reconstruction; including a pedestrian refuge on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, a relocated bus stop moved from the roundabout 25 metres east, and the formalisation of the gravel car parking spaces north of the five ways roundabout.
Right-turn movements from Old Coach Road have been banned in the proposal, which is open for community engagement until Sunday 4 December.
Neil Johnson, Kalorama resident and descendant of one the first families to settle in the area, said the main issue for locals is people in the Kalorama Lookout carpark doing burnouts on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and Ridge Road.
But Mr Johnson said making it easier to cross Mount Dandenong Tourist Road with a proposed pedestrian refuge island and new pedestrian path is a “great idea”.
“When you get to that roundabout area, it’s hard to know what you’re meant to do….but mostly for tourists, I think that’s a great idea to have them do only left hand turns out of Old Coach Road,” Mr Johnson said.
“If they do what they say they’re going to do, then it is a positive,” he said.
The Kalorama and Mount Dandenong Fire Brigade has also submitted feedback to the council, with captain Bill Robinson calling for improved signage and physical protection of Kapi Art Space’s gallery and pedestrians after two recent incidents of vehicles crashing into the gallery’s barrier.
“Normally, the car park [at the cafe] on the weekend is packed, so if you’re going to try and get extra cars up here for walkers, where are they going to park?” Mr Robinson said.
The project is part of the Ridgewalk Masterplan, which “highlighted the ‘Five Ways’ roundabout as a high priority crossing requiring improvements to pedestrian and traffic safety,” Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Environment and Infrastructure Bill Millard said.
“Council received funding from TAC to investigate these safety improvements at the site,” Mr Millard said.
“Several contributions have been made to the intersection draft improvements plan and it is very clear the community values pedestrian safety, traffic flow and the local vegetation.
“As part of the design, the existing island, which is 4.7m deep and 11.9m wide would increase to 19.2m deep and 19.5m wide, allowing for a footpath in the central island.”
A detailed design for the intersection is expected to be completed in the next financial year, Mr Millard said.
“I encourage everyone who lives nearby to have a look at this draft and provide their feedback, to ensure that whatever projects are delivered in the future align with community wants and needs.”
A Department of Transport spokesperson said they carefully select bus stop locations to provide safe and easy access to services for the community in key locations around town.
“The new bus stop location in Kalorama, is close to the existing stop but much more accessible and safe – particularly for people with accessibility needs,” they said.
The current location is not viable or easily accessible in the middle of the roundabout and upgrades are needed to undertake intersection works.
The upgrade will meet the Disability and Discrimination Act 1992 and improve access to public transport, to improve safety, accessibility and enhance passenger experiences.
“We will continue to work with the Shire of Yarra Ranges through the design and delivery of this project, taking into consideration all feedback from the community.”
To view the proposal to Kalorama’s ‘five ways’ roundabout, visit https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/five-ways-roundabout-pedestrian-and-traffic-safety-improvements
