Danger lurks

By Lia Bichel
DESPERATE pleas have been made to the State Government for urgent upgrades to a dangerous intersection in Casey.
A week after the Narre Warren North CFA and City of Casey Mayor Shar Balmes called for safety measures to be implemented at the intersection, Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan has voiced his concerns.
Mr Donnellan has called on the State Government to provide funds to implement lights or a roundabout at the intersection.
“It’s only fair that Narre Warren North motorists be delivered adequate funding for simple measures that can make this road safer. Without such funding, the government is failing local residents,” he said.
“Another option could be to reduce the speed limit along Belgrave-Hallam Road and Narre Warren North Road to 60km/h between Heatherton and Ernst Wanke roads.”
Bert Rae, who has lived in the area for 71 years, said he has seen many accidents at the intersection.
“My concern is about the speed of the vehicles and the increased traffic,” he said.
“Hopefully, we can get a reduction in speed between Heatherton Road and Ernst Wanke Road.”
Secretary of the Narre Warren North Community Association Judy Ellis said she was worried about pedestrians’ safety.
“Ideally, we would have a bridge to cross over the road, so everyone can cross safely,” Ms Ellis said.
“There is definitely a blind spot because there is a rise in the road. We need safety measures so children and adults can cross with safety without fear that they will get hit by a car.”
Last week, Cr Shar Balmes said “things needed to change” after a 42-year-old woman died when she was hit by a car on the Narre Warren North Road on 5 September.
“A beautiful woman, mother, wife is not with us anymore and it’s an absolute tragedy for her family and friends.”
Cr Balmes said there needed to be better lighting, more signage and a decreased speed limit for Narre Warren North Road-Belgrave Hallam Road, between Heatherton and Ernst Wanke roads.
Narre Warren North CFA Captain Shaun Trotter said the road was dark, there was a lot of traffic and there was no safe place for pedestrians to cross.
“People are taking their lives into their hands trying to cross the road,” he said.
“If nothing is done, there will be more accidents and fatalities.”
VicRoads regional director Metro South Eastern Victoria Duncan Elliot said VicRoads had no plans to undertake improvements to the road.
Minister for Roads Terry Mulder did not respond to requests made before the News went to print.