Traffic snarl

By Kelly Yates
WHY have the lights on the Belgrave Hallam Road on-ramp not been switched on after being installed seven months ago?
That is the question being put forward to the State Government by Gary Rowe, the Liberal candidate for Narre Warren South.
Mr Rowe wants the Labor Government to tell motorists when the lights near the Hallam Bypass will be turned on, resulting in an easing of the flow of traffic.
“While sections of the freeway are moving more quickly, congestion is occurring around the Belgrave Hallam Road entry. Traffic is forced to stop well before the Belgrave Hallam Road entry ramp, because the ramp lights have not been switched on,” Mr Rowe said.
“This is creating traffic congestion all the way back to Heatherton Road, Stud Road, and even all the way up to the Eastern Freeway.”
A State Government spokesperson said the hardware associated with the ramp lights was still being tested.
“They are not ready to be turned on yet. The activation of these lights is being rolled-out and so far about 20 others have been turned on with more to come on-line soon.”