Wait continues for Iona College school crossings

THE City of Greater Geelong says it is working as fast as it can to create a school crossing for students at Iona College, but the ongoing construction in the Armstrong Creek growth area is complicating matters.

Opening in 2020 with about 150 Year 7 students, the school at the intersection of Horseshoe Bend and Boundary roads in Charlemont has been growing since then, both in terms of its enrolment and its infrastructure.The Catholic co-educational secondary school presently has a student population of about 830, which will top out at about 1,500 when all year levels are offered.

However, Iona College does not yet have any school crossings on its nearby roads, nor any traffic lights, but school zones lowering the speed limit to 40kmh before and after school are in place.

According to the Department of Education, VicRoads and local councils share responsibility for school crossings, including the establishment of the crossing, training and employment of school crossing supervisors, and the supply of flags, uniforms and equipment.

City of Greater Geelong executive director of city infrastructure James Stirton said the city had been working closely with both Iona College and developers of the nearby housing estates to put school crossings on both Boundary and Horseshoe Bend roads.

“We appreciate parents’ concerns and support the implementation of safer pedestrian access for students on both of these roads.

“The process has been complicated because there is still major roadwork and development taking place in the immediate area, and the school itself is also being redeveloped.

“The intersection of Horseshoe Bend Road and Boundary Road will be upgraded this year to replace a roundabout with traffic lights, including signalised pedestrian crossings.

“This will provide a safer crossing at the south-east boundary of the school.”

Mr Stirton said the city supported Iona College’s request to create a pedestrian crossing on the upgraded section of Horseshoe Bend Road north of Boundary Road, but the existing plans did not have a footpath on the east side (between the main entry and Hilltop Drive).

“The city has proposed an alternative pedestrian crossing point to the developer just north of the Hilltop Drive intersection, which is being investigated.

“The upgrade of this section of road involves more than one developer, which unfortunately can mean extended timeframes.

“However, we’re working with all parties to see the design completed and work underway as soon as possible. We expect to ultimately achieve a positive outcome.”

In response to questions from this newspaper, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said: “We welcome feedback from the community about ways we can improve pedestrian transport connections in Armstrong Creek.”