Thursday 5 November 2015:

ROAD works designed to reduce the risk of serious crashes occurring at the intersection of the Nepean Highway and Tower Road, near Mt Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula, are due to start next week.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the project will include a new pedestrian-operated crossing north of the intersection where there have recently been a number of serious crashes.

“In the five years between January 2009 and December 2013 there were six crashes on this section of the Nepean Highway including two fatalities and two serious injuries,” Mr Truss said.

“The Australian Government is contributing $400,000 and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council $100,000, to fund the $500,000 Nepean Highway – Mount Eliza – Road Safety Improvements Project.

 “This joint investment will make major improvements to road safety for all users of this section of the Nepean Highway, including pedestrians and cyclists.”

 Federal Member for Dunkley Bruce Billson said the project will make the road safer for motorists, for pedestrians to cross and for cyclists to navigate, especially near the bus stop.

 “Safety upgrades to this stretch of road are badly needed, which is why I worked so hard with the community to secure funding and am relieved the work is set to begin,” Mr Billson said.

 “New cycling lanes featuring a green-coloured surface treatment will be provided to improve safety for the many cyclists that ride through the area. The south bound bus stop will also be relocated, with a new concrete footpath to be built to improve pedestrian access.”

 Mayor of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Bev Colomb said the works will also reduce traffic congestion.

 “This is a busy section of the Nepean Highway, with approximately 27,000 vehicles using it each day. Once the project is completed, improved traffic flows through the intersection will reduce congestion problems experienced by local residents and all road users,” Cr Colomb said.

 The project is scheduled to be completed in December 2015, weather permitting. During construction, one traffic lane in each direction on the Nepean Highway will be closed between 9.30am and 3pm with reduced speed limits.