The Andrews Labor Government is building better connections and improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians across Melbourne’s south east.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane today announced the start of works on a $593,000 project to improve safety for cyclists between Box Hill and Ashburton.

New traffic lights will be installed on High Street, west of Winbirra Parade, and there will be safety improvements to several intersections including Riversdale Road, Station Street and Burwood Highway.

The project  is a part of the Labor Government’s $100 million Safer Cyclists and Pedestrian Fund to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

The  Safe Cyclists and Pedestrian Fund is designed to encourage cycling and make it safer for riders to travel to and around major activity areas, such as shopping centres.

The safety upgrades are part of the Labor Government’s $1.1 billion Towards Zero Action Plan, delivered in partnership between the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and VicRoads.

The Towards Zero Action Plan aims to reduce the number of lives lost to 200 or fewer and serious injuries by 15 per cent by 2020.

Works on the nearby Box Hill to Ringwood shared user path are also gathering pace with traffic lights at the New and Albert streets intersection and pedestrian lights at Molan Street now switched on.

The Box Hill to Ringwood shared user path will be a continuous 10-kilometre link for connecting Box Hill and Ringwood for cyclists and pedestrians.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane

“We know that cyclists and pedestrians are among our most vulnerable road users – that’s why we’re delivering these important safety upgrades.”

“These projects is not only about linking cyclists and pedestrians, it’s about connecting communities and encouraging more people to consider walking or travelling by bike.