A major safety upgrade at the Melbourne Road and Kilmore Road intersection in Gisborne is now complete with thousands of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists set to benefit from safer and easier journeys.
The upgraded intersection includes a new roundabout, shared user paths for cyclists and pedestrians and improved street lighting thanks to a $12.5 million election commitment from the Andrews Labor Government investment.
A new and wider bridge over Bunjil Creek was built adjacent to the intersection to allow enough room for the safety upgrades. The new bridge prominently features bluestone re-used from the previous bridge.
The intersection was one of Gisborne's most difficult intersections to navigate with regular near-miss collisions. The new roundabout has improved visibility at the intersection and vastly improves the flow of traffic in all directions.
The bluestone foundations of the previous bridge over Bunjil Creek were carefully deconstructed into single blocks by a specialist stonemason. It now features on the new bridge and in footpath paving around the intersection.
The roundabout incorporates a large existing oak tree in the centre to fit with Gisborne's character. Arborists took grafts from two large elm trees which were removed as part of the project. We've carefully grown genetically identical plants from the removed trees. They will be planted at the intersection in Spring.
The upgrade was completed months ahead of schedule. This was possible due to the closure of the intersection during works. All detours and temporary traffic restrictions have now been removed.
This is one of many road safety projects rolling out across the Macedon Ranges with an intersection upgrade at Station Road and Saunders Road in New Gisborne completed in November 2021. Crews are currently rebuilding a four-kilometre section of Melbourne-Lancefield Road between the Bolinda Creek Bridge and Mullalys Road in Bolinda.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
"This upgrade was due to be finished late-2022 so to see construction complete and traffic travelling through the intersection months ahead of schedule is a fantastic outcome.''
"This is an important election commitment that we've delivered ahead of schedule that will improve the flow of traffic and road safety for Gisborne."
As stated by Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"We can now say goodbye to regular near-miss collisions at Melbourne Road and Kilmore Road in Gisborne."
"We thank the local community for their patience while the safety upgrade works took place."
