VicRoads looking at solutions to fix deadly Wantirna pedestrian crossing
VICROADS is set to unveil its solution to improve safety at a deadly Wantirna pedestrian crossing following a Knox Leader campaign for action.
The road authority is remaining tightlipped about the works, but says it will release details at a community forum next month and will look to implement the same improvements at similar crossings across Melbourne.
Two people have been killed on the deadly zebra crossing in the slip lane on the corner of Mountain Highway and Boronia Rd in the past seven years.
A TAC billboard reading “no one deserves to die on our roads”, previously seen above the crossing, had been removed when Leader visited the site last Thursday.
Kathy Curlis, 60, was using the crossing on July 18 when a car stopped to let her cross, but a small truck rear-ended it and the car hit her.
No one has been charged and an investigation continues.
Authorities were warned as far back as 2009 about safety concerns at the site after an 83-year-old man was struck and killed.
Mrs Curlis’s husband, Harry, previously told Leader he wanted action taken to improve safety at the crossing.
Last week, VicRoads director of transport and planning Savoula Lidis said they would present their proposed solution for the entire intersection at a forum on December 6, 6.30-7.30pm, at the Hungarian Community Centre in Wantirna.
“We will explain why we’ve selected this particular solution and how it will mitigate the risks around pedestrians and cyclists,” Ms Lidis said.
She said feedback from the community would be considered before improvements were implemented.
“If the comments from the community identify additional challenges that we haven’t factored in, we will reconsider the solution,” Ms Lidis said.
She said they would then finalise their plan and bid for State Government funding to implement it.
“I know the (Roads) Minister (Luke Donnellan) is very interested in this particular case,” Ms Lidis said.
VicRoads road safety team will meet on site with local businesses this week to get their feedback on the crossing.
The Knox Leader is running a campaign to fix the crossing, backed by Victoria Walks and Bayswater state Liberal MP Heidi Victoria.
Victoria Walks executive officer Dr Ben Rossiter has previously called for VicRoads to remove the slip lane and extend the footpath.
He said other options could include traffic lights or raising the crossing.