Drivers will soon slow to 40 kilometres an hour in central Dandenong to save pedestrians’ lives.
In a $778,000 project, the speed limit on both sides of Princes Highway will drop later this month.
The affected areas include Dandenong Plaza and Dandenong Market, Dandenong Hospital and Dandenong High School.
The existing 40km speed limit outside Dandenong Hospital on David Street will be extended to Stud Road, and the 40-zone outside Dandenong High on James Street will extend to David Street.
The 40-zone on Princes Highway and Lonsdale Street will have extended hours of 8am to midnight seven days a week, instead of 8am to 7pm Monday to Saturday.
VicRoads will also install raised pavement at key intersections to increase pedestrian crossing visibility and provide better access for those on foot.
VicRoads’ safe system road infrastructure program director Bryan Sherritt said the area had a history of crashes involving vulnerable pedestrians, and the changes would help to save lives and prevent injuries.
Between 2012 and 2016 there were 38 recorded crashes involving pedestrians in the Dandenong central activity centre that left 16 people seriously injured.
“These safety improvements will play a vital role in reducing the number and severity of crashes,” Mr Sherritt said.
TAC’s road safety lead director Samantha Cockfield said the project was part of the Safer Pedestrian and Cyclists Program.
“Our data shows that Victorian pedestrians are most at risk on roads in built-up areas such as Dandenong,” she said.
VicRoads has been working with the City of Greater Dandenong to roll out this safety improvement program.
Speed limit changes are scheduled to start later this month, followed by installation of raised pavements.
The project is expected to be completed by September.
VicRoads advised there might be detours at times, but the works would be carried out to minimise disruptions.
