One of the busiest points where pedestrians cross Young Street in Frankston is not actually a crossing, putting pedestrians at risk in the busy rail and bus precinct.

The lack of formal pedestrian crossing on Balmoral Street in Frankston has been a concern for some time, and new funding from the Commonwealth Government will rectify it through the installation of a dedicated crossing.

The $74,000 in Black Spot funding will also be used to improve safety in the Langwarrin neighbourhood on McClelland Drive and Robinsons Road.

On McClelland Drive, new tactile line marking will reduce accidents caused by vehicles getting into trouble from straying off the paved surface, and a new controlled right hand turn will reduce the chance of collisions at the busy North Road intersection.

A summary of the projects is provided below:

– Balmoral Street at Young Street, Frankston; $24,000; Install pedestrian crossing including associated line marking
– McClelland Dr at North Rd, Langwarrin; $20,000; Fully control right turn for McLelland Dr (Sth) to North Road (East) traffic during off peak times
– Robinsons Rd at Warrandyte Rd, Langwarrin Sth; $19,000; Modify pavement lane markings within roundabout as a speed reduction measure
– McClelland Dr from North Road to Robinsons Rd, Langwarrin; $11,000; Install audio tactile edge line marking

Total $74,000

Together with $1.069m to Mornington and Mount Eliza roads, the $1.94 million allocation to Dunkley in this round will target intersections and sections of road with significant accident and injury history. The chosen projects represent works that deliver the highest benefit to the community for the funds involved.

I have long been advocating for funding to improve safety on our roads in response to ongoing community concern. Combined with other projects underway or planned with Commonwealth Government funding, these works will greatly improve vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The projects are scheduled to be delivered in the current 2015/2016 financial year.

Individuals and community groups are encouraged to nominate local black spots for the next round of funding, with applications due by 31 July 2015. Information and nomination forms are available via Bruce Billson’ office (03) 9781 2333 or at: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots/index.aspx