Work is underway on the Andrews Labor Government’s $20 million upgrade of Melbourne-Lancefield Road between Sunbury and Lancefield, to reduce the risk of head-on and run-off-road crashes.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Sunbury Josh Bull today welcomed the start of works on stage one of the project by visiting the site, with a range of safety improvements set to prevent crashes and save lives on the notorious road.

Flexible centreline safety barriers will be installed to reduce the risk of head-on crashes, while left-hand side flexible safety barriers will protect drivers from run-off-road crashes.

Regular breaks will be provided in the flexible barriers at appropriate locations for local traffic, and to ensure safe access for residents and emergency services.

Other safety improvements include extra overtaking opportunities, including four new overtaking lanes, to enable motorists to pass safely.

The road shoulder will also be widened and sealed to improve safety, while audio tactile lines will also be installed along the full length of the road, to alert drivers if they stray from their lane.

Between July 2010 and June 2015, two people lost their lives and 24 others were seriously injured in crashes on this stretch of road.

Stage one works from north of Monegeetta to the south of Lancefield are expected to be complete by the end of July 2018, while the second stage of works, from north of Sunbury to Monegeetta, are scheduled to begin mid-2018.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas

“Flexible safety barriers save lives, reducing the risk of head on and run off road crashes by up to 85 per cent.”

“This stretch of road is one of Victoria’s most dangerous, so these works are crucial to the safety of everyone who uses it.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull

“This vital safety upgrade will transform Melbourne-Lancefield Road from one of Victoria’s most dangerous rural roads, into one of our safest.”