‘Rat race’ fear

By Lia Bichel
Springvale residents worry VicRoads’ controversial proposed Dingley Bypass could cause traffic chaos in their streets.
In December, residents were outraged after a government decision paved the way for the Dingley Bypass to go through Coomoora Reserve.
Minister Justin Madden declined to provide an environmental effects statement (EES) on the effect the VicRoads Dingley Arterial Project would have on the Coomoora Woodland Flora and Fauna Reserve, but City of Greater Dandenong councillors voted to fight his decision.
But Paperbark Ward councillor Roz Blades said besides people being angry the bypass would destroy the reserve, Springvale residents were also concerned about traffic side-effects.
“This is a huge issue for residents,” Cr Blades said.
“It cannot be underestimated. (If VicRoads) look at moving the road to protect flora and fauna in the reserve, they should also look at moving the road enough to prevent an increase of traffic on alternative roads.”
Cr Blades said she received emails from residents with concerns that if plans went ahead, people driving south on Springvale Road would not be able to turn left onto Coomoora Road. Drivers would then have to use alternative routes such as Paterson Road, Andleon Way or Northgate Drive to access a number of residential properties, a primary school and Darren Road.
Northgate Drive resident Keith Toughill said drivers already sped down the long stretch of road and feared the bypass would create a traffic nightmare on his street.
“Traffic is already bad, with people speeding down the street, some reaching 90 kilometres an hour,” he said.
“The proposed road location of the Dingley Bypass is just going to cause a lot more problems.”
Mr Toughill, 70, has lived at his home for 31 years and said the cars roaring down the road were “getting to be a bit much.” He said he hoped VicRoads would look at an alternative route for the Dingley Bypass to prevent a traffic nightmare outside his house.
“It’s already bad and could get worse,” he said.
“There haven’t been any accidents yet, but I can tell you when there is one, it’s going to be a ripper.”
Andleon Way resident Russell Cole, 62, fears his street will turn into a “rat race.”
“The road is not built to take a lot of traffic, and if they close part of Coomoora Road Andleon Way will become a rat race,” he said.
Cr Blades said she raised the issue with council, and council officers are in discussion with VicRoads.
VicRoads Eastern Projects Director Frank DeSantis admitted the intersection of Coomoora Road and Springvale Road would be altered as part of the Dingley Arterial Project because of the close proximity of the intersection to the entrance slip lane for the Dingley Arterial. He said preliminary design and road safety assessment showed the safest option was to close Coomoora Road at Springvale Road.
He said VicRoads was aware of community and council concerns about access, and was looking into finding an option that provided safe access.
“VicRoads is aware access changes to Coomoora Road would change the local traffic flows. VicRoads has commissioned a traffic impact study to assess traffic flows and highlight changes,” Mr DeSantis said.
“The study shows that existing infrastructure is adequate to cope with altered traffic patterns. Once roadworks are finished, VicRoads will monitor the road network to ensure it is operating efficiently.”
Construction on this project will start late this year and is scheduled for completion in 2013.