MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council says it will continue to press the state government for the extra $5 million needed to install a roundabout at the dangerous Forest Drive and Nepean Highway intersection.
The need for road safety improvements at the Mt Martha intersection has long been a priority of the council.
Infrastructure strategy and climate change manager Davey Smith said that part of the council’s Towards Zero road safety commitment was “to actively advocate to the state government to improve safety at high risk intersections that are the responsibility of VicRoads”.
He said the federal government allocated $5 million on the basis of a matched contribution from the state government for a $10 million roundabout at the intersection.
Mornington resident Lindsay Fraser brought the issue into focus after driving up Dunns Road, Mornington, towards the new Coles outlet. “At the road leading in to the Civic Reserve recreation area they were building a new roundabout,” he told The News.
“I cannot see how this [would be] an important location compared to Forest Drive, the site of serious accidents.
“This roundabout has been put on hold because of [lack of] funding yet a roundabout of no real significance is being built on Dunns Road. There certainly have not been any serious accidents or deaths there.
Mr Smith said the roundabout at the entrance to Civic Reserve would cater to those using four new soccer fields and the athletics track.
“The new roundabout will ensure safe access and egress is maintained at the reserve and congestion during peak times is managed appropriately,” he said.
First published in the Mornington News – 25 June 2019
