A dangerous stretch of road outside Lighthouse Christian College would be signalised with a pedestrian crossing under a $2 million Liberal election pledge.
The intersection, on South Gippsland Highway, would also include electronic variable speed signs to improve safety for school children and pedestrians.The move follows a fatal car crash at the site which claimed the life of a Ma Li Dai and her 14-year-old daughter Xinyu Yuan in August 2017 who were leaving the Cranbourne East school after a parent-teacher night when they collided with a Commodore driven by a 26-year-old man.
As a result, VicRoads reduced the speed limit to 80km/h in November last year from Ballarto Road to Clyde-Fiveways Road.
The upgrade, which was announced on Thursday 1 November, will be subject to final design and implementation with VicRoads.
Liberal Candidate for Cranbourne Ann-Marie Hermans said there had been “too many close calls” at the intersection.
“I have spoken with many local residents who are deeply concerned about safety at this busy and dangerous intersection,” she said.
“That’s why I’ve been working with the community and Matthew Guy’s team to fix the design of this area and make it safe for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.”
Traffic volumes on the South Gippsland Highway have increased in recent years, substantially increasing the risk for motorists and pedestrians, the Liberals argue.
Shadow Minister for Roads and Infrastructure, David Hodgett said: “We are also committed to reducing our road toll and the incidence of injury or death, as a result of unsafe local roads, by making the right investments in our road networks.
School principal Jacob Mathews said the school was “grateful” for the announcement, adding it was a “big growth area” and badly-needed.
“It’s not just our problem – they realise trucks are going into Devon Road and you’ve got the quarry there, you’ve got everything here, it’s a growth area,” he said.
“If it does come through it will save us a lot of money.
“There’s no crossing, nothing at the moment, so we would have to do all that,” Mr Mathews added.
Pastor Phil Cayzer of Turning Point church said he was disappointed Labor had made no commitment to improving safety outside the school.
He said was offended after receiving an email from the State Government saying they were not interested in providing support “whatsoever to any private school.”
The State Government has been contacted for comment.
Cranbourne Christian Minister’s Association will be hosting ‘Meet the candidate’ on Sunday 11 November 6pm at Turning Point Church (1785 South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne East).
Pastor Cayzer said each candidate standing for the state election would provide a short talk before the public would be free to ask questions.
He added all five candidates standing for Cranbourne had been invited, however only the candidate for Labor Pauline Richards and Liberal candidate Ann-Marie Hermans had confirmed their attendance.
