January 17, 2014
Input from Gippsland drivers and transport operators is being sought on road black spots in the region.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said forms have been made available online so that local road user groups can nominate sites to receive funding for remedial works through the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program.
Mr Chester said once a site was nominated, VicRoads will examine the site’s eligibility and may undertake an economic assessment of the required treatment.
The nominations are then referred for consideration by the Victorian Black Spot Consultative Panel.
“I understand that many local residents are concerned about the state of some of our roads,” Mr Chester said.
“This stream of funding from the Federal Government is a valuable resource to assist them in carrying out remedial works at sites where there have been recent crashes.
“I’d encourage any local transport business, road user group or individual who is concerned about a site to nominate it as a black spot so that VicRoads can assess the site for funding.”
Mr Chester said sites with a proven history of crashes have been given priority but high-risk locations would also be considered.
“Black spot funding is targeted at sites which have a proven crash history and recurring safety issues, but sites where there has been a high-risk identified through a Road Safety Audit will also be considered for remedial works to prevent any accidents from occurring in the future,” Mr Chester said.
More information on the Black Spot Program, including nomination forms, can be found online at www.investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots