Tick for crossing construction

By Lilly O’Gorman
PEDESTRIANS no longer have to take dangerous short cuts to cross busy McGregor Road.
Construction of a new railway pedestrian crossing has begun, providing a safe route on the western side of the McGregor Road level crossing.
Marie Hansen-Nooy began campaigning for the crossing about two years ago, but said residents had been calling for action for many years.
She said she was thrilled that the crossing would finally go ahead.
“Five-year-old children, mums with prams and elderly people are crossing the railway crossing every single day and something had to be done,” Ms Hansen-Nooy said.
“I wouldn’t let my kids walk to school because there wasn’t anywhere safe to cross.
“We had already had a lot of people killed on this road, and we needed to do something about this crossing because it is a death trap.”
Heritage Springs resident and mother of three, Jennifer Phillips, was very happy the crossing was finally going ahead, following a three-year campaign.
“Since the bypass came in, it’s been the busiest road in Pakenham I’m sure. In peak times its impossible to cross,” Ms Phillips said. “Now we won’t have to cross McGregor Road, which will save a lot of potential accidents, and stop kids from potentially being hit. It will be very beneficial for the whole community, encouraging a healthier lifestyle by allowing kids to walk to school.”
Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder announced on Monday that the project would be completed early next year.
“While there is already a railway pedestrian crossing on the eastern side of McGregor Road, pedestrians often unsafely cross the rail line on the western side of the level crossing, so that they don’t have to cross the busy McGregor Road,” Mr Mulder said.
“When this upgrade is complete, there will be a safe way to cross the railway line on each side of McGregor Road, which is great news for the local community.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Region Edward O’Donohue said residents had been concerned about the need for another crossing.
“We’ve listened to the concerns of the community and recognise how important it is to build a new pedestrian crossing at McGregor Road,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“It is important this level crossing is made as safe as possible so that the guesswork is taken out of crossing the tracks.”
Member for Bass Ken Smith said the safety improvements would give some peace of mind to parents in the local area.
“As more families move into this fast growing area, more and more children who attend nearby schools have to negotiate the tracks on a daily basis,” Mr Smith said.
The crossing would include paving, automated electric gates and fences and comply with standards set out in the Disability Discrimination Act.
The McGregor Road level crossing already includes full active controls, including boom barriers, bells, lights, and a pedestrian crossing on the eastern side of McGregor Road.