Approaching the end of its first year, access through Thewlis Road from the new Kuyim Primary School is still cut off until the state government commits funding for safety upgrades.
Pakenham’s latest school, Kuyim Primary opened at the start of this year and ever since, the connection between Kenneth Road and Thewlis Road has been blocked fully during school terms.
Residing on the corner of this intersection, Cardinia Shire Council has closed off access to ensure families utilise Worthington or Grandvue Boulevards which are currently deemed safer than the Thewlis Road intersection with the Princes Highway.
The council has committed to restricting access until the highway turn-off is upgraded for safety.
“Council has been actively advocating on behalf of the community to ensure that the critical intersection upgrade of Thewlis Road and Princes Highway is completed,” the council’s General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, James Kelly said.
“Unfortunately, until this upgrade is completed, drivers will not be able to access Kenneth Rd via Thewlis Rd, and it will remain closed to ensure community safety and manage safe traffic volumes and movements.”
The project would see the intersection signalised and the council is willing to commence as soon as possible, but its multi-million-dollar price tag can only be provided by the state government.
Nine months after the state government opened the new school, they have yet to commit a contribution to the estimated $5.6 to $9 million in funding for the project that would allow full access for local families.
Local residents of Kenneth Road around the school expressed varying concerns about the current restriction and possible opening.
One resident said it was frustrating that it’s been blocked for this long, preventing easy access when he wishes to go east on the highway.
Others were more concerned with the possibilities after the road is eventually opened. Resident Lynette, said hooning behaviour is often seen along Kenneth Road during the night and worried it would increase if Thewlis Road was accessible.
Other residents were concerned about increased traffic and parking issues, as they have experienced their spaces being used during peak times.
The council said they continue to monitor parking and vehicle movements around Kuyim Primary to manage the expected increase in traffic.
