The Federal and Victorian governments are joining forces to deliver 16 new life-saving projects across the state under the Federal Road Safety Program.
Both governments will provide contributions of more than $69.7 million each, for a joint investment of more than $139.4 million – bringing the total combined investment by both governments under the program to $259.5 million.
This boost in funding aims to ensure greater levels of safety by targeting notorious crossings, intersections and thoroughfares across Victoria, further reducing the risk of crashes that cause fatal or serious injuries.
For instance, traffic lights will be installed at the intersections of Deakin Avenue (Sturt Highway) and Sixteenth Street in Mildura – a known black spot – and at Stud Road and McFees Road in Dandenong.
Upgraded traffic signals to boost pedestrian safety will also be rolled out at notorious intersections in Frankston, Banyule and Bayside, while dedicated right turns will be introduced at four intersections across Ararat, Ballarat and Horsham.
In regional Victoria, a $22 million package of works will deliver line marking improvements at high-risk intersections across the Gippsland, Hume, Loddon-Mallee, Grampians, and Barwon south-west regions.
An additional $10 million will also be provided to improve safety for motorcyclists, through improved protections on barriers, skid resistance, shoulder sealing, and curve signage.
Approximately 172 new construction jobs are expected to be created over the life of the program across Victoria.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm, said, “This additional funding is all part of our collective promise to do what we can to significantly reduce the number of road deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and it’s great to see the Victorian Government come to the table and collaborate with us on this.”
Mr Chisholm said these projects won’t just improve safety, they’ll also provide those living in regional communities across Victoria with employment opportunities in the construction and planning industry.
“The wider Road Safety Program forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to work with state and territory governments to fund the priority road safety works they identify.”
Victorian Minister for Local Government, Ports and Freight, Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, said, “Any life lost on our roads is a tragedy, that’s why we’re working with the Federal Government to reduce road trauma.
“These new projects build on our record investment in road safety infrastructure which is saving lives, reducing injuries and preventing crashes before they happen.”
