Montrose roundabout: Canterbury Road VicRoads construction plans go to community

Controversial plans to remove the Montrose roundabout have been changed after a community win. But this could be your last chance to have your say.

An artist's impression of Montrose after the road changes. Credit: VicRoads

The Montrose community has had a win with the State Government redesigning its roundabout removal plans.

VicRoads will be taking its reworked ideas – which include trying to fit the character of the town, and less tree removal – to the community over four session in the next week.

Works to replace the roundabout with traffic lights, and create turning lanes into the intersection are mooted to start in 2022.

Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader previously reported the initial road authority design included removing more than 100 trees, creating eight traffic lanes, replacing the roundabout and redesigning the entrance to Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd.

An artist's impression of Montrose after the road changes. Credit: VicRoads

But the community were divided, with many locals fearing the Montrose township would be fractured if those designs went ahead.

The online community consultation sessions are running December 12, 14, 16 and 17, starting on Saturday from 1 to 2pm, on Monday, 2 to 3pm, and Wednesday and Thursday 6 to 7pm.

According to VicRoads website since the first consultation session at the end of 2017, the authority have heard and shared the community’s wish to make sure the upgrade fit in with the character and needs of Montrose.

Montrose Township Group member Chelsey Cooper said these sessions would be the final chance for the community to have their say on the project.

“It’s a very divisive situation,” Ms Cooper said.

She said the township group worked hard to advocate to make sure the intersection was safe for pedestrians.

“Hundreds and hundreds of kids and pedestrians walk to and from school daily,” Ms Cooper said.

“And we wanted to maintain our village feel.”

A Victorian Department of Transport spokesman said detailed plans for the $44 million Canterbury Rd safety upgrade were taking shape and included upgrading the Leith Rd, Montrose Rd, and Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd intersection.

“The new design will keep 60 more trees than the previous plans and we’re continuing to work closely with the community to ensure it maintains the local character of Montrose,” he said.

Leader also understands the Department is planning on a replanting program with the help of Yarra Ranges Council and also using any of the timber from trees removed for the community’s benefit.