Half done road could lead to tragedy

SPRINGVALE Road’s unsealed shoulder in Keysborough is creating traffic havoc for motorists and cyclists, according to Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan.
The Opposition roads spokesman said $100 million State Government cuts to this year’s road resurfacing targets had caused the issue.
He said Springvale Road between Cheltenham and Governor roads had been resurfaced without shoulders.
“We have cyclists pushing into the left lane, causing traffic to then move into the right lane to drive. It’s getting dangerous here,” he said.
“The failure to properly resurface major roads such as Springvale Road is a major concern.”
Mr Donnellan said the road needed to be made safe for cyclists and motorists, and it wasn’t an issue of rider versus driver but proper road maintenance.
“Lives are being put at risk,” he said.
“Work is not being completed properly. It makes no sense to only half do the job.
“Why not completely resurface the road in one go? Instead, workmen will need to come back to resurface again sooner rather than later, costing more.”
Mr Donnellan said more funding was required immediately.
VicRoads metro south east director Sebastian Motta said the road authority completed the resurfacing works on the stretch in question in late November, and the shoulder was “unlikely to attract funding in the near future”.
“Currently, this section of Springvale Road does not have a designated bicycle lane however a sealed shoulder does exist, which at few locations becomes a turning lane into businesses and other properties located on Springvale Road, but is considered safe for use by cyclists,” he said.
“VicRoads receives funding from the Victorian Coalition Government to maintain the freeway and arterial road network. The level of funding received varies annually depending on changes in risks and needs across the state.
“VicRoads inspects the whole road network annually and programs works on a statewide basis according to priority and available funding.”