By Brendan Rees
Flashing safety signs have been installed at one of the busiest intersections on the South Gippsland Highway in Lynbrook after years of lobbying from the community.
The State Government announced works were now complete for two flashing signs at the South Gippsland Highway and Lynbrook Boulevard intersection, which has had 26 collisions and a double fatality between 2008 and 2018.
As motorists approach an amber light at the traffic lights, the electronic flashing signs will activate, giving drivers advanced warning and more time to safely slow down.
The move follows four years of lobbying from the Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) to increase safety at the intersection.
Scott Watson, president of the LRA, said residents were rapt with the outcome.
In 2014, he said the committee had a meeting with VicRoads proposing safety lights at the intersection, “which was knocked on the head but we certainly didn’t give up”.
At last year’s state election, both candidates for the seat of Cranbourne promised to deliver the project after discussions with the LRA.
“To Pauline’s credit, she’s followed through which is amazing,” Mr Watson said referring to Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards.
“It’s a great outcome for the community not only for Lynbrook but a lot of people from down that way travel through that intersection.”
The two flashing signs have been installed at the southern approach to the intersection as part of the $200,000 safety investment.
The current static signs on the north approach have also been upgraded as part of the works which will increase driver awareness of the approaching intersection.
Ms Richards said the upgrade would ensure thousands of people “that drive and walk through this intersection every day have a safer journey”.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford said: “I want to thank the local Lynbrook community for their advocacy and for helping us get this done.”
Other safety improvements have been made at this intersection in recent years, including red light and speed cameras, upgrading traffic signal lanterns to LED technology and static “Prepare to Stop” warning signs in both directions.
