New pedestrian signals for Baxter residents
Residents and shoppers will soon be able to walk and cycle more safely on Baxter-Tooradin Road, thanks to new pedestrian signals and other upgrades being undertaken as part of the Peninsula Link project.
Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder today announced that VicRoads will start installing the pedestrian signals this week.
"People walking or riding their bikes will benefit greatly from these new traffic signals, which will be installed near the Baxter shops over the next couple of months," said Mr Mulder.
"In the second half of this year, we will also begin further road improvements for the Baxter community."
Member for Hastings Neale Burgess said the Baxter Residents and Traders Progress Action Committee had played a major role.
"The community, led by its representative body BRATPAC, worked long and hard to ensure that Baxter benefited directly from the Peninsula Link works," Mr Burgess said.
"BRATPAC is a group made up of Baxter residents and businesses that have joined together to fight for the things that locals need. The group has achieved many great outcomes for Baxter and this new pedestrian crossing and other street works are the latest in that long list."
In addition to the signalised pedestrian crossing, the Baxter-Tooradin Road improvement works will include:
· Drainage, kerb and channel works and pavement widening on the north side of Baxter-Tooradin Road from the CFA to Stotts Lane and on the south side from Peninsula Link to Stotts Lane;
· A new footpath from the existing path on the north side of Baxter-Tooradin Road to Stotts Lane plus a connection to the new 25 kilometre Peninsula Link Trail; and
· A new on-road bicycle lane on both sides of Baxter-Tooradin Road from the CFA to Stotts Lane.
Mr Mulder said Baxter locals had campaigned hard for improvements to the township during the planning for Peninsula Link.
"Big projects like Peninsula Link can have an impact on the community so it is good to see benefits like the pedestrian signals finally become a reality," Mr Mulder said.
VicRoads, which is undertaking the works on behalf of Linking Melbourne Authority, has carried out preparatory works and is now ready to install the signals. The signals are expected to be operational in spring this year.
While installing the traffic signals, VicRoads aims to have minimal impact on traffic in the area. Any lane closures will take place in off-peak times, with traffic management in place for minimal impact on traffic flow.
These upgrades are being delivered as part of the Peninsula Link project. The 27 kilometre freeway is on track to be completed and open to traffic in early 2013.
Visit www.linkingmelbourne.vic.gov.au for more information.
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