Traffic lights press all right buttons

By Dion Teasdale
WARBURTON community representatives have welcomed the installation of pedestrian traffic lights out the front of the town’s iconic Waterwheel complex.
The signalled pedestrian crossing was officially switched on last Thursday, 18 May by Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato, who was joined by a contingent of local community representatives.
The new signalled crossing, which crosses the Warburton Highway between the Waterwheel building and the town’s post office, has been hailed as a much-needed safety improvement.
Warburton Senior Citizens president Mary Bartlett said the crossing would be a great benefit to older residents in the community.
“The highway is a very busy road these days and it has become increasingly difficult for older people to make safe crossings,” she said.
“These lights will make it much easier and safer for people who can’t travel quickly, or who have hearing or sight problems.”
Warburton Chamber of Commerce president Norman Orr said the crossing would also benefit the wider community.
“Not only will the lights make it safer for people to cross the highway, they’ll slow the traffic down, encourage people to park on both sides of the road and improve links between the two sides of the street,” he said.
Ms Lobato said the crossing and lights, funded by a $248,000 grant from the State Government, was a victory for community groups.
“These lights will ensure greater safety in the town for the whole community. This is a great outcome for Warburton,” she said.
A new signalled pedestrian crossing has also been installed across the Warburton Highway in Millgrove.
The crossing, which cost $164,000, forms part of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.