The Andrews Labor Government has fast-tracked improvements to pedestrian safety at the Ringwood intersection where a young woman tragically lost her life while crossing the road in May.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan and Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane today announced a $250,000 safety upgrade package at Maroondah Highway, Heatherdale Road and Dampier Grove intersection.

The safety improvements being considered as part of the package include new dedicated turning arrows, LED ‘Give way to pedestrians’ signs, changes to signalling and crossing times and realignment work on the pedestrian crossing across Maroondah Highway.

These changes will ensure pedestrians are more visible to turning traffic and give warning to vehicles of turning sequences and pedestrians who are crossing the road.

The works under consideration also include new signal mast arms, fresh line marking which will help to ensure the intersection is more accessible.

These improvements will also ensure better safety for more people who are walking to the relocated Heatherdale Station on the eastern side of Heatherdale Road.

VicRoads is working closely with Victoria Police while the investigation continues and has explored ways to improve safety at this intersection and other, similar locations.

There has been strong community support for safety to be upgraded at this intersection and these improvements will help protect pedestrians and better manage traffic flow and accessibility.

Quote attributable to Minister for Road and Road Safety Luke Donnellan

“Any life lost on Victoria’s roads is one too many – we said we’d fix this intersection and with these safety upgrades we’re confident it will reduce the risk of a tragedy like this from happening again.”

“It’s important we get this right. We’ll work with VicRoads and Victoria Police to make sure this intersection is as safe as it can be.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane

“The community wants this intersection upgraded, so we’re making the changes needed to improve safety for pedestrians crossing Maroondah Highway.”

 

Quote attributable to VicRoads Metro South East Regional Director Aidan McGann

“We’ve spoken to the family of the young woman involved in this tragic event as well as the local community who’ve been pushing for this upgrade – and we will work with them to help improve this intersection.”