Media Release: 9th July 2020

The Andrews Labor Government will upgrade safety at twenty precincts across regional Victoria thanks to a new program that works with councils and communities to improve high-risk local roads.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said local roads and precincts across Geelong, Bendigo, Warrnambool, Portland, Port Fairy, Mildura, Shepparton, Mooroopna, Traralgon, Morwell, Moe, Warragul, Drouin and Sale would all be made safer as part of the $20 million ‘Safe Travel in Local Streets’ program.

The program assists councils to deliver safety improvements on local roads in regional communities – ensuring an even safer road network for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists across the state.

Regional Roads Victoria has worked with councils to design upgrades that address safety issues in areas with a high crash history.

The safety upgrades include building new roundabouts, traffic islands, bicycle lanes, speed humps, raised intersections and pedestrian crossings.

Upgrades in Gippsland will include two new roundabouts in Drouin – delivered by Baw Baw Shire Council – along  Hopetoun Road at the intersections with Young Street and Buln Buln Road, as well as speed bumps and pedestrian crossings along Young Street.

Across the state in the south-west, Warrnambool City Council will upgrade Merrivale Drive between McMeekin Road and Wellington Street, including raised pedestrian crossing, kerb ‘outstands’, pedestrian islands, speed humps and bicycle lane markings.

The upgrades will be delivered by local councils and will be completed by mid-2021.

This program is part of the Labor Government’s $1.4 billion investment in reducing road trauma in partnership with the Transport Accident Commission.

For a full list of projects visit www.regionalroads.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“We’re working closely with councils on safety upgrades right across Victoria – addressing community concerns and improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.”

“This new program is part of our strong investment into reducing road trauma across regional Victoria – and is about making sure we improve safety across the entire network, including council roads.”