Smith takes the slow lane …

By Melissa Grant
Mr Smith has also slammed VicRoads for delaying a decision on the preferred route of a Kooweerup Bypass, saying the long-awaited project is the real key to improving safety for those travelling between Pakenham and the swamp.
As revealed in last week’s Gazette, VicRoads will reduce the speed limit on Healesville-Kooweerup Road from 100km/h to 90km/h.
Cardinia’s top traffic cop Sergeant Nigel Atkins had previously written to the road authority requesting the limit to be dropped to 80km/h.
Mr Smith said he was disappointed that the speed limit was not dropped to 80 km/h as had been asked, especially as Sgt Atkins from the Cardinia Traffic Management Unit, who spearheaded the campaign, said this was the safest speed on a road that was in dire need of an upgrade.
“Roads Minister Tim Pallas told me that after looking at safety, mobility, road environment and abutting development, VicRoads determined that 90 km/h would be more appropriate,” he said.
Police have recorded 11 smashes on Healesville-Kooweerup Road this year.
Mr Smith said that while the speed reduction would help reduce collisions, the road would continue to pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians until it was upgraded and a bypass completed.
Mr Smith said the Kooweerup bypass issue had dragged on long enough.
“The people of Kooweerup have had enough,” he said.
“VicRoads assured me that it would announce its preferred option for the bypass before the end of August and that has come and gone.”
Duncan Elliot, regional director, VicRoads Metropolitan South East, said the final assessment of route options for the bypass were almost complete.
New speed limit warning signs were expected to be installed on Healesville-Kooweerup Road within the week.
>>> 100km/h, 90km/h or 80km/h – which do you feel is more appropriate for Healesville-Kooweerup Road? Let us know by emailing editor@starnewsgroup.com.au or writing to PO Box 9, Pakenham, 3810.