The Allan and Albanese Labor Governments are making it safer for Coburg students to walk to and from school thanks to an investment in road safety upgrades at the Bell Street Bridge.
Electronic road signs will be installed along Bell Street between Pentridge Boulevard and Elizabeth Streets, which will reduce the speed limit from 60km/h to 40km/h during school drop off and pick up times.
This stretch of road sees 44,000 commuters each day and serves as a key connection to Coburg High School, Coburg Primary School, and sporting facilities.
Since 2018, 25 crashes were recorded on these sections of Bell Street resulting in 30 people injured - including students.
In the coming months, static road signs will be installed. Tenders to deliver the electronic road signs will open soon, with works expected to begin in 2025.
The project is jointly funded through this year's $120 million Road Safety Program which is deliveringroad safety upgrades across 24 sites across Victoria.
As stated by Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown
"It is important to remember that road safety is a shared responsibility - and we're improving safety on Bell Street as we work towards a future where no one is seriously injured or killed on our roads."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"This is a busy stretch of road that sees a lot of foot traffic, and this investment will help keep more Victorians safe - whether it's students travelling to Coburg Primary or locals walking to the tram."
As stated by Member for Cooper Ged Kearney
"Investing in our infrastructure to support our community and kids' safety, that's what Labor governments do best and that's what this announcement is all about.
As stated by Member for Wills Peter Khalil
"It's incredibly important that the Federal Labor and State Labor Governments are working together and investing in the safety on Bell St Bridge. This stretch of road is extremely busy and this going to keep our students safer on their commute."
As stated by Member for Pascoe Vale Anthony Cianflone
"This upgrade will make a real difference to safety of our students and school community travelling to and from school as well as the many pedestrians who travel to the sporting facilities, the tram and shops in the area."
As stated by Member for Preston Nathan Lambert
"We've listened to the concerns of parents, teachers and the local community - that's why we're delivering a speed reduction on Bell Street during school hours."
As stated by Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous
"We've seen too many injuries and near misses at Bell Street Bridge and I'm so grateful to see this upgrade which will keep our community safe."
As stated by a Safe Access over Bell Street Bridge for Everyone spokesperson
"On behalf of our community, Safe Access over Bell Street Bridge for Everyone welcomes the announcement of measures to reduce speed in the Bell Bridge risk zone. We know that this area is dangerous and that kids are at risk travelling to and from school. This is an important step in the right direction."
