Streetscape works begin with pedestrian crossings

Streetscape works to upgrade two pedestrian crossings in Smith St, Warragul began last week.

The works, part of the Warragul central business district masterplan, are expected to be completed by late February.

Baw Baw Shire indicated any required road closures would be limited to after hours and weekends to limit impact on traffic and access to the cbd.

Pedestrian crossings with flashing lights will be installed between the Courthouse and Bendigo Bank - about 15 metres south of the existing crossing - and between West Gippsland Medical Clinic and Frames and Mirrors at the existing crossing location.

Works also will include twometre wide landscape central median with low height kerbing; three additional crossing points about four metres wide with a bollard in the centre; dedicated right turn lane from Smith St to Barkly St for all vehicles; and five Chinese elm trees at kerb outstands.

Parking spaces will be adjusted to current standards with five accessible parking spaces, including two outside the post office.

Current entry and exit arrangements to the Woolworths carpark from Smith St will remain.

Roundabouts review

A Baw Baw Shire councillor has called for a report regarding community feedback on the final designs of two new roundabouts in Mason St, Warragul that also are part of the planned cbd work.

Cr Mikaela Power requested officers prepare a report on the outcome of community consultation taking place on the Warragul central business district revitalisation project.

Council, in conjunction with a project reference group, unveiled its plans in September to revitalise the retail heart of Warragul.

Works to construct roundabouts at the Mason-Albert Sts and Mason-Palmertson Sts intersections are earmarked to be underway in the first half of 2017.

Cr Power said she wanted a report on the feedback received during consultation for the two intersection treatments the traffic modelling and community feedback that supports the final design.

Cr Power said there had been a fair bit of activity in the central business district.

She said part of the work done for this project indicated the two new roundabouts would improve traffic flow.

However, Cr Power said she heard there were concerns in the community about how the roundabouts will work, particularly for pedestrians.

She said she believed council would benefit from hearing more from the community before those works progressed.

Mayor Joe Gauci said the process so far had included extensive consultation with the community and establishment of a project reference group.

He said the project reference group included representatives from a variety of organisations including Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, the ratepayers association and many other groups.

“I think we have been kept up to speed on this project. I don’t mind getting the report but I expect we will only get what we have already received,” he said.