An investigation will explore options for a pedestrian crossing point on Westbury Road near Prospect Vale Marketplace due to safety concerns.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Meander Valley Council voted to investigate options for a signalised pedestrian crossing near the marketplace, but did not decide on an exact location.
The area has a pedestrian island near the marketplace's roundabout, but does not have a signalised pedestrian crossing.
The idea for one was raised by councillor Frank Nott, who suggested a lighted pedestrian crossing, similar to the one near the Launceston General Hospital.
However, the council voted to explore all options.
In other news:
Cr Nott said a number of representations had been made to him on the matter.
"By my own observations there is a significant need for a safe crossing on Westbury Road, Prospect Vale," he said.
"Currently there is no safe lighted pedestrian crossing in council's Westbury Road, Prospect Vale, with a lighted pedestrian crossing operated by Launceston Council at Ralph Street, Prospect, adjacent to Prospect High School.
"Traffic levels in Westbury Road are continually increasing and with proposed developments... [it] will add considerably to this traffic in the future."
An initial cost of installation of a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights, as suggested by Cr Nott, was estimated to be between $60,000 to $80,000 for poles, lights and electrical works, not including any civil works required at the site.
The council's infrastructure services director Dino De Paoli said a study in 2011 found the increased traffic volume and pedestrian movements would result in a difficult and dangerous location for pedestrians.
"There is no question that the recommendation by councillor Nott for the installation of a signalised pedestrian crossing on Westbury Road has merit, and is consistent with previous traffic engineering advice," he said.
Feasibility work will be undertaken, including a traffic assessment and preliminary design work, before the project proposal will be considered by the council as part of its 2021-21 capital works program.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: