A grant of $3.14 million has been awarded to Mitchell Shire Council through the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program.
The funding initiative was developed to target areas where serious road crashes have occurred, or are at risk of occurring.
The grant will go towards delivering crucial road safety upgrades across the shire.
The five locations set to undergo improvements include:
- Anglesey St, Seymour (between Loco St and Jordan St): Installation of two raised priority crossings and two raised safety platforms to calm traffic and improve pedestrian safety.
- Kilmore East Rd, Kilmore (west of Ogrady’s Rd): Safety barriers, wide painted centreline, and upgrades to signage, line marking to prevent run-off road and head-on crashes.
- Broadford-Wandong Rd, Broadford (between Goodenia Ct and Saunders Rd): Improved street lighting, guideposts and reflective pavement markers, with a potential speed limit reduction to 80 km/h.
- Lancefield-Pyalong Rd, High Camp (near Mt William Rd): Installation of safety barriers, curve widening, and a wide centreline to reduce run-off-road and head-on crash risk.
- Windham St and Queen St, Wallan: Construction of a roundabout with a semi-mountable island, a raised priority crossing on the southern leg, and two raised safety platforms on the northern and eastern legs to improve intersection safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said the funding is a welcome aid, which will allow council to deliver these upgrades that may otherwise be challenging to fund through council’s budget alone.
“We’re extremely grateful for this funding from the Federal Government as it is vital for council to maintain and improve our road network,” Cr Dougall said.
“Our roads are used by residents, visitors, and local businesses every day.
“These upgrades will make a real difference in reducing risk and helping our community get where they need to go safely.
“Local roads - particularly in rural and regional areas - need targeted investment to keep our communities safe.”