Crossing to cost $160,000

CASEY council is facing a $160,000 outlay to provide a pedestrian crossing on High Street, Berwick, in front of St Michael’s School.
The crossing has been listed in the top four for possible funding in the 200607 capital works program.
The figure was presented in a report to the council, which highlighted significant problems for pedestrians. The report was in response to a petition from residents.
Casey’s manager of traffic management, Paul Hamilton, said in the report that there were sufficient numbers of school children crossed High Street to warrant a supervised crossing.
Mr Hamilton said, however, that topography of the area meant a flagged crossing would be dangerous. He therefore referred the issue to the pedestrian crossing prioritisation strategy.
“Pedestrian operated signals (POS) at the location would be suitable because they can be fitted with mast arms,” he said. “These can be more easily seen by traffic approaching over the hill than a supervisor with a stop baton.”
Mr Hamilton said the site was previously referred to VicRoads as a potential black spot, but did not receive funding.
The council referred $400,000 for consideration in the 200607 capital works budget allowing $160,000 for the High Street POS at the Peel StreetMelville Park Drive intersection, $30,000 for design and approvals at the South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne rail crossing, $50,000 for a crossing between Rebound and Malcolm courts, Narre Warren, and $160,000 for Heatherton Road, Endeavour Hills, east of James Cook Drive.