$245m worth of road safety projects will soon ramp up across VIC

Over 100 road safety projects across Victoria will soon ramp up construction as part of a $245 million road safety package that will deliver safer roads for all Victorians. 

The first tranche of works is due to commence later this month, delivering a range of safety improvements including new safety barriers to prevent head-on and run-off-road crashes as well as rumble strip line marking that will alert drivers if they veer of their lane. 

The projects will also deliver safety upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists as well as several intersection upgrades in local communities. 

“We are ensuring this road safety package can roll-out quickly, saving lives and reducing injuries. 

“These projects were selected based on the safety risk at each of the locations, with the aim of reducing road trauma in both regional and metropolitan areas – because any death on our roads is one too many,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

The road safety upgrade program will be targeting the areas in the State that has the highest risk of road incidents. 

“This extensive package of projects ranges from smaller-scale improvements to major upgrades, with crews ready to hit the ground and get started immediately at a number of these sites. 

“Whether you're commuting to work, going for a Sunday ride, or dropping the kids off at school - we're ensuring that our road network is safer for everyone,” Minister for Roads and Rad Safety Ben Carroll said. 

According to Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz, the Australian Government is prioritising road safety and the significant investment to deliver road safety upgrades will also provide a boost to the local economy. 

“Road safety is a shared responsibility and collaboration between communities along with all levels of government will help us move towards achieving Vision Zero. 

“Projects are already underway through the $500 million Targeted Road Safety COVID-19 stimulus package and this additional funding complements that work, resulting in an even greater roll-out of improved infrastructure and roads right across the nation,” Mr Buchholz said. 

Across regional Victoria, the projects include safety upgrades on the Midland Highway between Daylesford and Guildford, on Portarlington-Queenscliff Road at Portarlington and improvements to safety barriers on the Western Highway. 

On the other hand, works in Melbourne will include upgrading traffic signals on Plenty Road in Bundoora and on Bridge Road near Yarra Boulevard in Richmond. 

The road safety package of works is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments, each contributing $183 million and $62 million respectively. 

This investment is in addition to the $97.2 million committed early this year by the Australian and State Governments to boost road safety across Victoria. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development