Petition to target traffic hotspot

By Callan Date
A PETITION has been launched to highlight traffic congestion on Clyde Road, Berwick.
South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich raised the need for an upgrade of the section between Kangan Drive and High Street in State Parliament last week.
“During last year’s State Election, the Liberal Party committed to duplicating Clyde Road between Kangan Drive and High Street, Berwick, as well as building an underpass at the railway crossing and traffic lights at the intersection with Enterprise Avenue,” Ms Peulich said.
“As this is the number one road issue in Victoria’s largest municipality, I would have thought that the State Government may have had an urgency to address this problem, especially as the council has been lobbying the State Government for these works to be completed for the past eight years.”
Berwick Chamber of Commerce president Michael Hall has also been lobbying for an upgrade with plans for additional car parking and retail space to be included.
Light industrial and outlet traders in Berwick’s Enterprise Avenue have been complaining about the safety of exiting traffic for a long time.
Ms Peulich said people could sign the petition at several locations in Enterprise Avenue and High Street, Berwick, as well as via email at traffic@ingapeulich.org.
“I have initiated a petition that calls for the upgrade of Clyde Road that I will present to Parliament,” she said.
Ms Peulich said the petition called on government officials to consider:
• Traffic lights for the intersection of Enterprise Avenue and Clyde Road;
• Duplication of Clyde Road between Kangan Drive and High Street; and
• An underpass for the railway crossing.
“I will fight to have Clyde Road upgraded,” Ms Peulich said.
Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley said a contract tender for works to the area had been advertised and was expected to be awarded in October.
“Works will commence immediately after the tender has been let and completion is scheduled for the first quarter of 2008,” Ms Graley said.
She was unable to confirm what works would be taking place as part of the tender.