Early works are now underway on a new roundabout to improve safety at a notorious intersection near Birregurra.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Jaala Pulford visited the intersection of Birregurra-Forrest Road, Colac-Lorne Road and Deepdene Road where fencing, vegetation removal and service relocation works are underway.
These early works will pave the way for major construction to begin at the end of summer, to minimise disruption during the school holidays.
The Labor Government has invested $4.9 million to build a new roundabout, following three crashes last Christmas holiday period, where one person tragically lost their life and others were seriously injured.
The roundabout will help lower the speed of vehicles on approach to the intersection and reduce the risk of cross-traffic and rear-end crashes.
Significant earthworks will also be undertaken to improve sight lines to this intersection.
Regional Roads Victoria has already set a safer speed limit, trimmed vegetation to make it easier for drivers to see on-coming traffic and improved line marking.
New speed signs with a "high accident intersection" warning and raised reflective markers have also been installed.
The vital intersection upgrade is part of the Towards Zero Action Plan, funded through the Transport Accident Commission and delivered by Regional Roads Victoria, which aims to reduce the number of lives lost on our roads each year to fewer than 200 and serious injuries by 15 per cent by 2020.
To keep track of this project or check out what other works are underway or planned in your area visit regionalroads.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford
"We've listened to the community and we're taking action to improve safety at this intersection."
"We do not want to see another Christmas period marred by tragedy on our roads – which is why we're getting started now on this vital safety upgrade."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
"We are fixing this notorious intersection – because one life lost on our roads is one too many."
"A roundabout will slow traffic, improve sight lines and provide a safer intersection for people travelling on this important local connection."
