The speed limit through Lilydale’s main drag will be lowered to 40km/hour in a move touted as a way to improve safety.
Transport Victoria crews were expected to start work from late September, installing electronic speed signs from Cave Hill Road to Deschamps Avenue.
The new speed will operate between 7am and 8pm daily, reverting to the 50km/hour limit outside of those hours.
“By making sure the speed limit is right in this residential growth area, we can reduce the likelihood and severity of road crashes and make the road environment safer so pedestrians, bike riders and drivers can share the road safely,” the Transport Victoria website reads.
In the five years ending in December 2020, 27 crashes occurred along Maroondah Highway between Cave Hill Road and Anderson Street, according to Transport Victoria. 23 crashes occurred between 7am and 8pm.
“Pedestrians are completely exposed to the full force of a crash, making them some of the most vulnerable road users.”
The new speed limit will come into effect at the completion of the speed sign installation.
The Maroondah Highway and Deschamps Avenue intersection was the site of a number of collisions, as people entered and exited the fast food outlets, but this was greatly reduced when the amber light warning sign, which is activated when a car is waiting to turn right, was installed.
Commuters can expect to see crews working progressively along Maroondah Highway between Cave Hill Road and Deschamps Avenue to install the electronic speed limit signs.
Crews will work on site between 9.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday and at night between 8pm to 6am, Monday to Sunday, depending on the weather conditions.
During this period, road users can expect lane closures and temporary parking restrictions on sections of Maroondah Highway where crews are installing signs and completing traffic light programming works; reduced speeds in the work area to keep crews and road users safe; and periods of low to medium noise levels, vibrations, and dust.
Business and resident access will be open at all times.
This project was jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments under the Road Safety Program.
