A high-crash intersection near the commercial heart of Bairnsdale will soon be transformed.
That’s thanks to $467,000 from the Federal Government’s Black Spot program to tackle stretches of road and intersections well-known for traffic accidents.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said a roundabout would be installed at the intersection of Pearson and Grant streets.
“This is one of seven road safety projects in East Gippsland to be funded through the Black Spot program this financial year and last, totalling more than $1.5 million,” Mr Chester said.
“We are partnering with East Gippsland Shire Council to deliver all of these seven projects, including fixing the intersection at Pearson Street and Grant Street.
“Around half of the funding from the Black Spot program spent in Victoria goes to projects in regional and rural areas. That’s because more than 60 per cent of road deaths and a significant proportion of serious injuries occur on roads outside the metropolitan area.”
East Gippsland Shire Deputy Mayor Colin Toohey said the upgrade was a crucial safety improvement for Bairnsdale motorists and pedestrians.
“Both Grant and Pearson streets are main thoroughfares. We previously undertook works at the intersection of the two streets to slow traffic on the approach and make it clearer that Grant Street traffic is required to stop,” Cr Toohey said.
“However, driver behaviour has not improved. This project will tackle this dangerous intersection by funding the construction of a roundabout.
“We welcome news of this funding as the roundabout will reduce the likelihood of crashes and reduce the severity of any crashes that do occur.
“The roundabout’s design is expected to be completed this September, with construction completed by next June.”
Other Black Spot projects in East Gippsland funded this financial year and last are:
Bairnsdale: Wallace and Dawson Streets
Modify roundabout and improve lighting – $180,000;
Forge Creek: Romawi Road North at Peecks Road
Install guard fence and upgrade delineation and reduce speed limit – $160,000;
Lakes Entrance: Scriveners Road between Armstrong Track and Colquhoun Road
Install posts, markers, warning signs, culvert extensions and driveable end walls, widen formation and remove vegetation – $147,000;
Lakes Entrance: Ostlers Road between Capes Road and Colquhoun Road
Install posts, markers, warning signs, line markings and improve skid resistance – $210,000;
Toorloo Arm: Rules Road between Princes Highway and Lens Road
Install guard fence, upgrade delineation and reduce speed limit – $192,000; and
Swifts Creek: Cassilis Road, along a six kilometre stretch west of the Great Alpine Road
Install guide posts, line markings, pavement markers, warning signs and safety barriers – $198,000.
