Friday, 28 April 2017

WANTIRNA PEDESTRIAN CROSSING GETS SAFETY UPGRADE

Works are about to begin at the intersection of Mountain Highway and Boronia Road in Wantirna boosting safety for drivers and pedestrians.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane announced the safety improvements, start mid-year and will be completed by mid 2018.  

The existing zebra crossing will be replaced with traffic lights to improve the safety of people travelling to and from nearby shops and businesses, the hospital and an early learning centre.

Pedestrians using the new traffic lights will activate an electronic warning sign installed on Boronia Road, providing drivers advanced warning that the pedestrian crossing is ahead.

Other safety improvements will include the realignment of the northern left turn slip lane on Boronia Road to slow vehicles down and give drivers better visibility of vehicles coming from Mountain Highway.

The project follows extensive consultation with residents, local businesses, Victoria Police and Knox Council as well as a detailed road safety audit.

Over the past seven years two pedestrians have been hit and killed at the busy intersection.

Following community feedback, VicRoads is also considering access improvements to Rachelle Drive, and is working with local businesses and Knox Council on the possible layout.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane.

“We want everyone to feel safe walking, riding or driving through Wantirna and Boronia, so we’re fixing this crossing to help locals get to the nearby shops, businesses, hospital and early learning centre.”

“New traffic lights will improve safety and reduce the frequency and severity of crashes at this busy intersection.”