The Andrews Labor Government will upgrade the Midland Highway between Buninyong and Meredith as part of its unprecedented investment in road safety.
Michaela Settle, the Member for Buninyong today announced that the road had been selected for upgrades due to the growing traffic volumes and its importance as a key freight route.
In the five year period between 2013-2017, one person tragically lost their life and 13 people were seriously injured on this stretch of road.
Improvements being considered include the installation of flexible safety barriers on the roadside and centreline to prevent run-off road and head on crashes, and rumble strip line markings. Overtaking opportunities and minor intersection improvements are also being considered.
Over the coming months, Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) will be talking to the community and road users to understand their needs and how the road is being used. Landholders along this section of highway will also be consulted about their property access needs.
This feedback will inform the final designs, which will be shared with the community in mid-2019. Works are then expected to begin in late-2019.
Works are already underway to improve safety further north on the Midland Highway between Ballarat and Creswick, which includes new roundabouts, intersection upgrades, shoulder sealing, wide centre lines and rumble strips.
It’s all part of the $1.4 billion Towards Zero Plan. This plan aims to reduce the number of lives lost on Victorian roads to 200 or fewer and serious injuries by 15 per cent by 2020.
A new interactive map has been launched today, where locals can find out more about safety upgrades happening in the area. For more information visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/towardszero
Quotes attributable to Michaela Settle
“The Midland Highway has been identified as a high-risk road in regional Victoria – so we’re taking action to make it safer.”
“The evidence is clear that safer roads save lives – that’s why we are investing more than ever in our highest-risk roads.”
“This record investment in life-saving infrastructure is critical to working toward a future where no-one dies or is seriously injured on our roads.”
