The Federal Government’s Black Spot Program targets the region’s most dangerous roads, identifying and upgrading crash sites and high-risk areas.
So far, the program has selected 56 known crash sites for safety upgrades, including an intersection at Shepparton, but local input is needed to identify sites for the next round.
As a rising road toll further illustrates the dangerous conditions, and federal funding for programs doubles to meet demand, you can make a difference.
Senator for Victoria Jane Stewart and assistant Infrastructure and Transport Minister Carol Brown are encouraging individuals, companies and local councils to nominate the dangerous roads in their communities.
“Local communities know where their most dangerous road locations are and their ability to nominate projects under this program and work with state and local experts in reviewing nominations is why this program is so successful,” Ms Brown said.
“Through the Albanese Labor Government’s Black Spot Program, we’re reducing the number of crashes causing death and injury by an average of 30 per cent,” Ms Stewart said.
“We’re fixing more than 50 high-risk crash sites around the country. I know there is more work to be done and encourage anyone who knows of a dangerous road location near them to consider submitting a nomination for future funding rounds.”
Shepparton’s Doyles Rd and Poplar Ave intersection will receive a $736,000 safety upgrade as part of this round of funding.
Side road vehicle-activated speed signs will be installed, alerting drivers to slow down if they are approaching too fast.
Meanwhile, lane width changes and a sign change from ‘give way’ to ‘stop’ will be made, providing a safer experience for all road users.
Well-known dangerous roads in Strathmerton, Cobram, Echuca and Kialla Lakes are also lined up for improvements.
This includes the Labuan Rd and Murray Valley Hwy intersection at Strathmerton, where five people died in a collision last year.
“Road safety, of course, is a shared responsibility, and this is a timely reminder to be extra vigilant and to slow down on the roads, so everyone can get home safely from every journey,” Ms Stewart said.
For more information, the full list of selected sites or to nominate a black spot in your area, visit: https://tinyurl.com/blackspotprogram