By Matthew Sims
Pedestrians and cyclists who use Village Way during their daily commute will soon have a safer journey, thanks to a $100,000 contribution towards a pedestrian crossing project via the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program.
Jointly funded by Cardinia Council with a $200,000 contribution, the upgrades will include wombat crossings (a raised pedestrian crossing) on all three legs of the Village Way and Park Orchard Drive intersection with flashing lights on both Village Way crossings.
Cardinia Council community infrastructure delivery manager Dan Hammond said works were expected to begin in the 2024/25 financial year.
“Council is currently completing designs for a pedestrian crossing on Village Way, Pakenham,” he said.
“Located across from adjacent to a shopping centre and train station, Village Way has been identified as a high priority location for a future pedestrian crossing,” he said.
“As there is a history of pedestrian-related crashes occurring, the construction of a pedestrian crossing has been fast-tracked at this location, with the support of additional funding from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).”
Projects funded through the grant program must use Safe System principles with a focus on reducing crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists – those most vulnerable to trauma on the state’s roads.
The Safe System uses a holistic approach to road safety which recognises different elements of the road environment must work together to keep everyone safe – these elements include roads and roadsides, vehicles, travel speeds, and road users.
Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said any life lost on Victoria’s roads is a tragedy.
“That’s why we’re working with councils across the state to implement projects that keep Victorians safe,” she said.
TAC chief executive Tracey Slatter said protecting vulnerable road users is an essential part of improving road safety across the state.
“This grant program supports local governments to find solutions to specific road safety concerns in their region,” she said.
Other local approved projects which received funding across the South East included a $30,000 contribution to Yarra Ranges Council for speed awareness monitors, a $24,804 contribution to Baw Baw Council for road safety awareness through the use of variable message signs and a $28,073 contribution to Greater Dandenong Council for the Lindsay Williams Crossing wombat crossing project along the Djerring Trail Shared Path.
For more information on the grants program, visit tac.vic.gov.au/local-government-grants
