New traffic lights will be installed at the Midland Highway and Docwra Street intersection in Sebastopol as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s investment into reducing congestion and boosting safety at some of Ballarat’s most notorious traffic chokepoints.

The new traffic signals will improve safety for thousands of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians each day and ensure the intersection can cater to increased traffic volumes associated with projected future growth in the area.

Under the original plans for the $60.8 million Keeping Ballarat Moving program, a new roundabout was to be constructed at the intersection. However, recent detailed design and planning work has determined that the new traffic lights are a more suitable option, catering to projected increase in traffic volumes over the next 30 years.

Traffic lights will improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, provide better traffic capacity, make turning onto the highway easier for drivers approaching from Prince and Docwra streets and provide more space for heavy vehicles to navigate the intersection safely.

While the new lights will also provide a safer dedicated crossing point for students heading to and from Magpie Primary School.

Works on this project are set to begin in early 2022.

Other upgrades set to be delivered in the area as part of the Keeping Ballarat Moving package include new traffic lights at the intersection of Albert and Hertford streets in Sebastopol and the duplication of Albert Street between Queen and Docwra streets.

Major construction is already underway on several other projects included in the package, including new traffic lights at the intersections of La Trobe Street and Wiltshire Lane and the Glenelg Highway and Wiltshire Lane.

Significant works to install traffic lights at Gillies and Gregory streets are also nearing completion, with the lights set to be activated in early 2022.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“As part of our Keeping Ballarat Moving package, we are delivering the road network that Ballarat needs – both now and into the future.”

“Installing traffic lights at this intersection will guarantee a safer journey for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians at one of the major entrances to the city.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Traffic lights will create a safe crossing for local school kids, their families and the whole community. This upgrade will help everyone get home safely and make Sebastopol and even better place to live.”

“We’ve updated the project to include traffic lights because of all the growth we are seeing in Sebastopol.”

See the new designs below and for more visit the web page