Speed and horses no match: VicRoads

VICROADS will push on with major road works in Narre Warren East despite concerns over horse-rider safety.
Long-time resident Ian Murphy fears the planned changes, at the corner of Berwick Road and Wellington Road, will adversely affect riders.
But officials responded to an article in last week’s News that outlined plans for the upgrade. VicRoads metropolitan south east acting regional director Andrew Williams said it was unsafe for horse riders to cross at the Wellington Road intersection and that VicRoads would not support a pedestrian-horse trail within the road reserve at that location, due to its impact on road safety. “Wellington Road at this location is a high-speed rural arterial road that could pose significant risk to pedestrians, horses and riders,” he said.
Shire of Yarra Ranges councillors gave the go-ahead for the upgrades at a recent council meeting.
More than 25 mature trees, along with 540 square metres of native vegetation, will be cut down as part of the changes.
“Native vegetation removal requires approval from council and will only be undertaken to provide the necessary safety at the intersection,” Mr Williams said.
“All native vegetation removed will be replaced within the Shire of Yarra Ranges.”
About 700 new trees will be planted.
The upgrade is expected to start in late 2008 and take three months to complete.