The Andrews Labor Government is improving safety for cyclists in Melbourne’s east, thanks to a new strategic cycling corridor stretching from Box Hill to Ashburton.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane today announced $593,000 for safety improvements along this popular cycling route as part of the Labor Government’s $100 million Safer Cyclists and Pedestrians Fund.

The Box Hill to Ashburton corridor is popular with cyclists and pedestrians but the current routes between activity centres are indirect and hard to follow.

This project will see a range of safety improvements, including new traffic lights on High Street Road west of Winbirra Parade.

There will also be new pavement markings and signage on Riversdale Road at the intersections of Gurrnoong Court and Sycamore Road, Station Street near the Box Hill Golf Club and the Burwood Highway near Elgar Road.

Road crossings will be made safer with new pavement crossings installed at high risk locations, along with signage for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers informing them of the potential for cross-traffic.

The funding for this project is part of Victoria’s $1.1 billion ‘Towards Zero’ strategy, a joint plan between VicRoads and the TAC to reduce the number of lives lost on our roads to 200 or fewer and serious injuries by 15 per cent by 2020.

Works are expected to begin mid-year and be complete by the end of the year.

Some lane closures and speed restrictions may be necessary, but disruptions will be kept to a minimum.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane

“We’re protecting our community by boosting safety along this important corridor – and looking after some of our most vulnerable road users.”

“Cyclists and pedestrians come off worst when involved in a crash with a vehicle – that’s why we’re investing in upgrades to keep people safe.”