VicRoads is set to upgrade traffic signals at 20 high-risk intersections across Melbourne to improve safety and traffic flow.
The Agency said it would modify traffic signals to provide controlled right turns at intersections and prevent an estimated 129 collisions.
“When traffic light signals include this feature, it reduces crashes between right turning and oncoming vehicles, and also gives pedestrians designated times to cross the road safely,” VicRoads said.
“About a third of deaths on Victorian roads result from crashes at intersections, making up 41 per cent of serious injuries on the Victorian road network,” it said.
“The risk of casualties and serious injuries due to right turns is greatly increased, because drivers rely on behavioural instincts to select gaps in opposing traffic.”
VicRoads said a dedicated right turn signal reduced the risk of crashes between turning vehicles and oncoming traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians crossing the road.
“The implementation of a controlled right turn will reduce the likelihood these types of crashes,” it said.
“We anticipate these improvements will prevent approximately 129 serious crashes at intersections over the next 15 years.”
VicRoads said the safety improvement were scheduled for:
* Macaulay Road, Arden Street and Dryburgh Street, North Melbourne;
* King Street and Latrobe Street, Melbourne;
* Wurundjeri Way and Flinders Street, Docklands;
* Princes Highway-Dandenong Road, Hawthorn Road and Glenferrie Road, Caulfield North;
* Coburns Rd, Melton (intersections at Barries Road and Western Freeway on-ramps);
* Bayswater Road and Eastfield Road, Croydon South; and
* Pascoe Vale Road, Albion Street and Fletcher Street, Essendon.
