New lights a life saver
Traffic signals where teen was struck
A DRYSDALE teenager who spent 24 days in intensive care after being hit by a car last year is rejoicing after traffic lights were finally approved at the notorious intersection.
Lachlan MacKinnon was left in a coma after being struck by a car while crossing Portarlington Rd to get to the school bus stop in March 2016.
The horrific incident, which occurred in front of schoolmates, sparked an online petition of 4420 signatures for traffic lights at the Melaluka and Portarlington roads intersection.
“I’m just feeling really proud and happy with everyone who has been campaigning and supporting me and my mum,” the 17-year-old said.
The announcement follows a year-long community campaign to improve safety around the busy intersection, which has been the site of four reported crashes in the past five years.
VicRoads yesterday confirmed the new traffic and pedestrian lights would be functional by early next year.
“This is awesome, finally something’s been done,” Lachlan said.
“It will be so much better for the safety of the road for people around Leopold, especially for elderly people and young kids walking across the road.”
The crash left the teen with a broken right arm and shattered spine. He needed tubes in both lungs to drain fluid and had two tracheotomies.
His mother, Joanne Harris, said it was fantastic news at the end of what had been a long road to recovery for the Bellarine Secondary student.
“It’s been tough, but the fact that Lachlan is still here and made it through is just a blessing really, and I’m so proud of how far he’s come,” she said.
The traffic lights will feature right-hand turn arrows to make it easier for drivers to get in and out of Melaluka Rd.
VicRoads regional director Mark Koliba announced the works yesterday as part of a $1.2 million safety upgrade of the Melaluka Rd and GeelongPortarlington Rd intersection.
The works follow a review of the location by VicRoads, Victoria Police and Public Transport Victoria after the incident.
“Our No.1 priority is to improve safety for drivers, cyclists and particularly pedestrians at this intersection,” he said. “The upgrade will see new traffic and pedestrian lights installed to ensure local school students can cross GeelongPortarlington Rd to catch the bus safely.”
Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said the green arrow would allow drivers to enter busy Portarlington Rd without having to find a gap.