Cindy McLeish, MLA for Eildon

Plans are underway to transform the intersection at Grant and Downey Sts in Alexandra at the urging of Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish.

Ms McLeish, in a media statement issued this afternoon (Wed.), said she was happy to see the Victorian Government had finally decided to show some action with plans underway to modify the intersection.

“Alexandra locals have been concerned about the safety of this intersection for many years. The Government must listen to their concerns and take action to have them addressed,” Ms McLeish said.

Ms McLeish first raised concerns about the intersection in May 2017.

In response, the Government informed Ms McLeish in January this year that VicRoads had undertaken consultation Murrindindi Shire Council, Victoria Police and VicForests about potential fixes for the intersection.

In his response the Minister for Roads and Road Safety said a concept plan had been developed by VicRoads which included the removal of the turn lines from within the intersection and installing painted islands and linemarking to make it look more like a cross intersection.

In addition, current Give Way signs are also proposed to be replaced with stop signs due to the limited sight distances within the intersection.

“VicRoads submitted this concept plan to the council in late November 2017 and is seeking their feedback on the concept plan. Once VicRoads receives a response from the council, VicRoads will seek feedback from the local community,” the Minister said.

Ms McLeish said the community expects full consultation about the direction VicRoads will take.

“It’s vital that VicRoads properly consults with the community about which remedial work it will undertake. Murrindindi residents are sick and tired of the Government coming in and changing our road network in the dead of the night without consultation,” Ms McLeish said.