New pedestrian-operated traffic lights are set to improve safety in central Bendigo, thanks to joint funding from the Federal and Victorian Governments.
The lights on Chapel Street, near the Hargreaves Street intersection, are being installed as part of a $3.87 million joint investment by both governments through the Road Safety Program – making it safer and easier for everyone to cross the busy four-lane street.
The traffic lights, which will be located opposite the Bendigo fire station, will help pedestrians and cyclists cross the road safely, while raised safety platforms will also be installed on Chapel Street at the crossing to slow down vehicles.
The same program will also deliver new pedestrian-operated traffic lights on McCrae Street at the Mundy Street corner later this year. The two new sets of lights form part of the City of Greater Bendigo’s planned Strategic Cycling Corridor which will provide a new protected shared user path along Mundy Street from Back Creek to McCrae Street in the Bendigo city centre.
Fire Rescue Victoria will also be able to operate the Chapel Street lights to ensure they can travel through the intersection efficiently in an emergency.
There will be changes to traffic conditions in the Chapel Street at Hargreaves Street area during construction with lane closures in place at times and the speed reduced to 40 kilometres per hour in the works area.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm, said, “This funding supports the fast roll out of lifesaving road safety treatments and greater protection for pedestrians in central Bendigo.”
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, said, “This important project is part of the Australian and Victorian government’s Road Safety Program which is designed to reduce road trauma and save lives.”
