Residents’ bypass blues

Meeting with VicRoads to address Drysdale intersection discontent

VICROADS will address public concerns that a proposed Drysdale Bypass intersection will be costly and dangerous at an eleventh-hour meeting.

Members of the Drysdale and Clifton Springs Residents Association recently asked Bellarine MP Lisa Neville to request VicRoads release evidence proving the planned traffic lights at the intersection at the western entrance to the Drysdale Bypass was the safest and most cost-effective solution for the area.

The association lobbied for the Drysdale Bypass but remains concerned by plans to install traffic lights at the west- ern entry point — the intersection of Jetty Rd, Grubb Rd and High St.

Committee member Sarah Carroll said members wanted the opportunity to understand the reason behind VicRoads decision and put forward their preferred option.

Ms Carroll said the group was adamant it did not want to hold up the project.

“We are hoping to achieve the safest and most efficient outcome,” Ms Carroll said.

The State Government is investing $106 million dollars in the Drysdale Bypass and installed a three-day independent planning panel hearing before approval was granted.

Project director Tim Price said VicRoads had consulted with the community thoroughly since the project was announced at the end of 2015.

“With the population growing in the area, we need to design an intersection that will manage the next 40 years of predicted increased traffic and promote safe connectivity to the schools and sporting precinct,” Mr Price said.

“An independent planning panel of experts in July last year agreed that the VicRoads proposal of traffic lights provides the safest outcomes for pedestrians and cyclists.”

While there are some views against the use of traffic lights VicRoads believes many people who do support its plan.

“We are happy to meet with the community association and further discuss the project,” Mr Price said.

The meeting will be held on April 11 at the Potato Shed from 7pm.