By Renee Wood
Drivers through the Healesville CBD can soon expect to be driving a little slower with a new 40 kilometre speed zone to be installed.
Safety upgrades are being made to Maroondah Highway in Healesville between Church Street and St Leonards Road to reduce the risk of crashes along the busy shopping strip area.
The works have been funded through the Victorian and Australian Government’s $300 million Road Safety Program, which aims to deliver safer, connected journeys in Victoria while supporting our economic recovery.
A Department of Transport Spokesperson said, “We’re improving safety along Maroondah Highway in Healesville to make the busy shopping, café and restaurant precinct safer for all road users.”
The safety works have been driven following six crashes in the area between January 2015 to December 2020, including five involving a pedestrian. One of these crashes resulted in serious injury.
Road environment, traffic volume, types of road users and crash history were all taken into consideration when setting new limits and Yarra Ranges Council and Victoria Police were consulted during the design process.
It’s hoped the reduction of speed will reduce the risks of severe crashes as pedestrians are considered on of the most vulnerable road users who are entirely exposed to the full force of a crash.
Research has revealed almost 80 per cent of pedestrian fatality and serious injury crashes occur during 60km per hour speed limits or lower.
Road users will be made aware of the new speed through the installation of electronic speed limit signs at the start of the new speed zoned.
“Introducing a safer speed and installing electronic speed limit signs will prevent collisions involving pedestrians and save lives.”
Works started in November and are expected to continue into mid December, taking place Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3.30pm and weekends from 7am to 5pm.
