Safer Prospect crossing

by Sharon Webb

MEANDER VALLEY Council will investigate a safe crossing of Westbury Road near Prospect Market Place and propose a project for its 2021–22 Capital Works Program.

Cllr Frank Nott said residents had told him there was a significant need for a safe crossing with pedestrian traffic lights.

‘Currently there is no safe lighted pedestrian crossing on Westbury Road but there is a lighted pedestrian crossing operated by Launceston Council at Ralph Street adjacent to Prospect High School’, he told the council.

Traffic levels on Westbury Road are continually increasing and proposed developments at the Casino precinct together with Blackstone Heights, Panorama Road and Tasland Developments, in addition to proposed work at Tyler Village, will add considerably to this traffic in the future.’

Cllr Nott said he was especially concerned about residents using mobilised wheelchairs and mobility scooters to cross to the supermarket and shops.

‘It’s time we provided a safe method of crossing the road. My motivations are the safety and inclusion of frail and elderly people, mothers with prams and young children and students.

‘The high traffic volume and 60 kph speed zone presents a significant challenge for those attempting to cross Westbury Road.

‘The crossing should be straight through with no centre refuge as I believe it is dangerous to be parked” in the centre of a very busy arterial road.’

Council officers noted approval for installation of a signalised crossing would be subject to up-to-date traffic and pedestrian data.

They said traffic counters on Westbury Road in the vicinity of Vale Street would soon be installed and estimated a signalised pedestrian crossing may cost $60,000 to $80,000 for poles, lights and electrical works.