The Greater Dandenong City Council has welcomed the decision to implement a lower speed limit on a stretch of Stud Road in Dandenong North. The Department of Transport and Planning will be undertaking works next week to introduce a reduced speed limit of 60 km per hour between Heatherton Road and Cheam Street. This change, down from the previous 80 km per hour limit, is aimed at promoting safer driving conditions and providing motorists with increased reaction time in hazardous situations.
Councilor Lana Formosa, representing Greater Dandenong, sees the lowered speed limit as an interim measure while the council continues to advocate for more comprehensive road safety solutions. This follows a tragic incident last year involving the loss of a child on this particular stretch of road.
“We have been calling for a safe pedestrian crossing and traffic lights at the intersection of Stud Road and Maxis Road for many years,” stated Cr. Mussel, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. “We implore the state government to prioritize funding for this project.”
While the reduction in speed limit is a step in the right direction, council members stress that it alone does not address the safety concerns of pedestrians, cyclists, and bus commuters. “We need a safe option for people to cross this road,” added Cr. Formosa, echoing the sentiments of the community.
The tragic loss of a young life in December deeply impacted the Greater Dandenong community, prompting renewed efforts to address the longstanding safety issues along Stud Road. Crash data over the years has shown the devastating toll of accidents on this road, further emphasizing the need for intervention.
Weather permitting, the works to replace speed limit signs will commence on Tuesday, April 9th. During this period, lane closures on Stud Road will be in effect, and the speed limit will be reduced to 40 km per hour to ensure the safety of road workers and motorists alike.
As the council awaits the Victorian government budget announcement in May, they remain hopeful for the allocation of funds towards vital road safety projects, including the long-awaited pedestrian crossing and traffic lights at the Stud Road and Maxis Road intersection. Until then, the implementation of a reduced speed limit serves as a temporary measure to mitigate risks and improve safety on this crucial thoroughfare.
