SAFETY improvements to a notorious Lysterfield intersection have finally begun, more than three years after it was pledged by the State Government and at twice the initial cost.
The installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Lysterfield and Wellington roads is due to be completed by May, VicRoads regional director Duncan Elliott said.
In 2006, then roads minister Peter Batchelor promised that a re-elected Government would commit $1.3million for traffic lights at the intersection, telling the Journal it was the "most hair-raising intersection you could ever imagine".
In August 2008, the Government again announced traffic signals for the intersection, but at a cost of $2.6 million.
Works on the new traffic lights began at the end of last year.
Mr Elliott said the delay had been "due to the time required to ensure that conditions of all appropriate authorities regarding the removal of native vegetation were satisfied".
He said the initial $1.3 million cost was based on an "early concept design".
"A more detailed scope meant we could better develop a project to address the site's needs and minimise environmental impacts.
"This included the need for extensive guard fence and drainage. Electronic 'Prepare to Stop' signs were also included in the redesign phase."
Ferntree Gully MP Nick Wakeling said he was glad the works had begun, but said the community has been extremely frustrated at the lack of progress.
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