Heat over junction funds

TWO Casey councillors and a local MP have blasted the State Government for failing to provide funds to upgrade a busy intersection.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan and councillors Rafal Kaplon and Rosalie Crestani this week condemned the State Government for not providing funding for improvements at the intersection of Belgrave-Hallam Road and Narre Warren North Road, Narre Warren North.
Mr Donnellan said both the council and residents had been calling for funding for an upgrade to the intersection for many years.
“This is a very dangerous corner, and many residents have called on the State Government to provide funding the make the intersection safer for motorists,” Mr Donnellan said.
Mr Donnellan said he delivered “hundreds” of petitions to State Parliament in 2011 calling on the Liberal Government to install traffic lights or a roundabout at the intersection.
The trio said they were concerned about motorists turning right out of the Belgrave-Hallam Road onto Narre Warren North Road
Cr Kaplon said the right turning lane at the intersection couldn’t accommodate the queue of traffic from Belgrave-Hallam Road at busy times, leading to overflows onto the through lane causing a dangerous situation.
“The intersection doesn’t have traffic signals and motorists turning right onto Narre Warren North Road are risking their lives due to the limited visibility,” Cr Kaplon said.
Mr Donnellan said he would continue to work with Crs Kaplon and Crestani to advocate for safety improvements at the intersection.