Tuesday, 17 March 2020

Drivers using the Maroondah Highway can look forward to a safer journey with safety improvements underway between Coldstream and Healesville thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford said the works would upgrade four busy intersections with new turning lanes, install flexible safety barriers at high-risk locations, and introduce a speed limit reduction to help keep drivers safe on this high-risk stretch of road.

New turning lanes will be built at the intersections of Tarrawarra Road, Domaine Chandon, Maddens Lane and Maxwells Road to help drivers safely cross the busy highway.

A consistent speed limit of 80km/h between Coldstream and Healesville will be introduced and left-hand side flexible safety barrier will be installed in high-risk locations to reduce the risk of run-off-road crashes.

The Maroondah Highway is a popular route in Victoria’s east for local and international tourists, linking Melbourne and the growing outer suburbs to the famous Yarra Valley wine region.

Between July 2013 and December 2018, three people lost their lives and 13 people were seriously injured in collisions on this stretch of road.

The safety upgrade works are expected to be complete by mid-2020. The works are taking place from Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm with some night works. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time.

The works are part of the Labor Government’s $1.4 billion Towards Zero Action Plan which is funding safety upgrades across the state.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Minister for Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford

“We’re improving safety for all drivers on the Maroondah Highway – whether you’re heading to work or to the Yarra Valley over the weekend.”

“We’re boosting safety at sites like this to reduce the risk of fatal or serious injury crashes at intersections right across Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“These works will boost the safety of this section of the Maroondah Highway, saving lives and preventing serious injuries.”