Works are set to get underway on a key intersection between to improve safety and reduce congestion for road users in Melbourne’s east thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Ringwood Dustin Halse and Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor announced that works on the $1.6 million project to upgrade the Canterbury Road and Bedford Road intersection began on Wednesday.

The intersection is being upgraded because it has seen a trend of rear-end crashes along the left turn slip lane from Bedford Road onto Canterbury Road. Over the five years to July 2018, there’s been a total of six crashes at the intersection, with five people seriously injured.

The works are all aimed at aimed at improving safety, shortening queue lengths, and reducing congestion, and will:

• Extend the right turn lane on Canterbury Road into Bedford Road to
• Realign the left turn slip lane from Bedford Road to Canterbury Road, substantially improving the visibility and safety of the intersection.
• Add a dedicated left turn deceleration lane into Rawson Court to provide safer access for local residents to their homes.

Other benefits of the project include installing a fully controlled right turn on the traffic lights from Canterbury Road onto Aringa Court, new turn lines, improved traffic signal sequencing and improved line marking and signage for better visibility and driver awareness.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, with some lane closures and speed limits in place to ensure the safety of crews and motorists during works.

Works will begin in late April with the project expected to be complete by mid-August, weather permitting.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor

“Feedback from residents around our area has been clear: this problem intersection needs to be fixed. So we are getting on with the job to deliver this needed upgrade – and, as a frequent user of this intersection, I can’t wait till it’s finished up.”

“$1.6 million will upgrade the intersection with new turning lanes, new lights and line markings to
get locals home sooner and to make this intersection safer than ever.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Ringwood Dustin Halse

“We’re making the intersection of Canterbury Road and Bedford Road safer for everyone using our roads.”

“By extending these turning lanes, we’re not only making it safer for motorists, we’re also reducing queue lengths and congestion.”