MICK Gentleman says a new pedestrian crossing, roundabout modifications and pedestrian refuge islands are safety improvements residents of Kaleen will see implemented along Maribyrnong Avenue and surrounding streets in coming weeks as part of the Residential Street Improvement Program.

“Following initial priority one traffic improvements implemented in Kaleen in February 2015, including the extension of the 60km/h zone on Baldwin Drive, further treatments are being implemented to improve pedestrian and intersection safety,” Mick said.

“Modification works to the roundabout at the Ellenborough Street and Maribyrnong Avenue intersection will commence the latest stage of works. The size of the roundabout’s central island will be increased and line marking will be extended to slow cars entering and exiting the intersection.

“A pedestrian crossing will be installed on Maribyrnong Avenue near Georgina Crescent to provide a safe crossing opportunity for residents accessing the local shops and services as well as eliminate the long wait times that were sometimes experienced by pedestrians.

“Three sets of speed cushions and four pedestrian refuges will also be installed on Maribyrnong Avenue, Daintree Crescent, Ellenborough Street and Onkaparinga Crescent. This will include a pedestrian refuge located a short distance from Maribyrnong Primary School to make it safer for students who need to cross Maribyrnong Avenue.

“Canberra’s residential neighbourhoods should, as much as possible, be safe, slow and people-centric places where Canberrans can live and enjoy their neighbourhood, and the traffic treatments implemented in Kaleen will help reduce speeds all day, every day,” Minister Gentleman said.

Installation of the Kaleen traffic improvements will commence on Thursday 16 April 2015 and are scheduled to be completed in June 2015.

Minister Gentleman said these improvements are part of a larger program to improve road safety in Kaleen.

“An evaluation of the effectiveness of Priority 1 treatments will take place six months after their implementation. Further implementation of Priority 2 and 3 treatments will depend on the results of this evaluation,” he concluded.