Libs, Labor pledge to fix deadly Ringwood intersection

A DANGEROUS Ringwood intersection which claimed the life of a teenage girl in May has been fast-tracked for a major safety upgrade.

Ringwood state Liberal MP Dee Ryall and opposition roads spokesman David Hodgett at today’s announcement. Picture: Andrew Tauber

A DANGEROUS Ringwood intersection which claimed the life of a teenage girl in May has been fast-tracked for a major safety upgrade.

In a major win for the Maroondah community, the State Government will spend $250,000 on upgrades at the intersection of Maroondah Hwy, Dampier Grove and Heatherdale Rd.

The announcement, from Eastern Metropolitan Region state Labor MP Shaun Leane, came less than three hours after they were contacted by the Maroondah Leader, advising them the opposition had promised $120,000 for urgent safety upgrades if they won the November 24 State Election.

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The Liberals’ announcement was made by Ringwood state Liberal MP Dee Ryall and opposition roads spokesman David Hodgett at 1pm today.

They promised right turn arrows from Heatherdale Rd and left turn arrows from Dampier Grove.

The intersection where Aivy Nguyen was killed. Picture: David Crosling

They also promised to give pedestrians more time to cross Maroondah Hwy and add additional flashing give way signs at Dampier Grove.

Mr Leane and Roads Minister Luke Donnellan made their announcement just after 4.30pm, less than three hours after Maroondah Leader sent media inquiries to the Minister and Ringwood’s Labor candidate Steve Kent.

Flowers and a candle at the scene of the Ringwood crash which claimed the life of Aivy Nguyen on May 16.

The intersection, which had received five complaints to VicRoads for its safety issues, has been under further scrutiny since Aivy Nguyen, 14, was hit by a truck and killed while crossing Maroondah Hwy on May 16.

“Any life lost on Victoria’s roads is one too many — we said we’d fix this intersection and with these safety upgrades we’re confident it will reduce the risk of a tragedy like this from happening again,” Mr Donnellan said.

“It’s important we get this right. We’ll work with VicRoads and Victoria Police to make sure this intersection is as safe as it can be.”

Along with the Liberals’ pledged improvements, the Government is also considering new signal mast arms, fresh line marking, and a realignment of the intersection’s pedestrian crossing.

Mr Donellan’s spokesman Ben McNair said the Government was finalising the safety improvements it would undertake at the intersection with VicRoads.

VicRoads Metro south east regional director Aidan McGann said the organisation had spoken to Aivy Nguyen’s family as well as the community.

“We will work with them to help improve this intersection.”