Cash for crash intersections

By Ed Merrison
BELGRAVE South, Emerald and Boronia are set to receive safety upgrades as part of a State Government program to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents.
On Wednesday, 17 May, Monbulk MP James Merlino announced $80,000 in funding for safety improvements at the intersection of Boronia Road and Turner Road in Boronia as part of the Government’s $240 million Arrive Alive! Safer Roads Program, funded by the Traffic Accident Commission.
Mr Merlino’s announcement came less than two weeks after Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato announced $358,000 in funding for projects in Emerald and Belgrave South under the same scheme.
“The Safer Roads program is identifying intersections where the risk of a crash is greatest and introducing safety measures to protect motorists and pedestrians, and ultimately save lives and reduce injuries,” Mr Merlino said.
The Boronia works will realign the kerb to reduce the speed of vehicles approaching the intersection while improving visibility for motorists.
There have been nine crashes resulting in casualties at the intersection over the past five years, including three serious injuries.
Meanwhile, a $281,000 project at the intersection of Wellington Road and Belgrave-Hallam Road in Belgrave South will realign the road leading to the roundabout, making it safer for approaching vehicles.
A further $77,000 is being spent in Emerald to improve safety at the intersection of Beaconsfield-Emerald Road and Cloverleigh Avenue.
This will entail realigning the kerb to reduce the speed of approaching vehicles, as well as constructing a traffic island on Cloverleigh Avenue and improving signage and lighting.
There have been 22 crashes resulting in casualties at these two locations in the past five years, including nine serious injuries.