More safety upgrades will soon be delivered on local roads and streets across Victoria, with another 100 projects announced under the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program.
The Victorian Government is investing a further $28.7 million in the program, including $17.2 million for projects in regional Victoria, supporting councils to deliver pedestrian crossings, intersection upgrades and traffic calming measures.
More than 430 projects have now been approved across the state, with all 79 Victorian councils participating in the program.
Projects funded in the latest round include a $482,000 upgrade in Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, which will deliver raised priority crossings to improve pedestrian safety on busy local roads.
In Wallan, a $442,000 investment in the growing Wallara Waters Estate will fund speed limit reductions, raised crossings and traffic calming measures aimed at improving safety for residents.
Meanwhile, in Port Melbourne, $374,000 will go towards bicycle safety upgrades and a raised crossing on Beacon Road to improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians along the corridor.
Local roads account for 87 per cent of Victoria’s road network and are relied on daily by communities travelling to schools, workplaces and local services.
The program aims to help councils deliver practical upgrades that reduce crash risks and improve safety outcomes for all road users.
The Safe Local Roads and Streets Program forms part of Victoria’s broader Road Safety Strategy, which targets a 50 per cent reduction in road deaths by 2030 and zero road deaths by 2050.
The program was developed by the Transport Accident Commission in partnership with the Department of Transport and Planning.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ros Spence, said the program was supporting councils to improve safety on local streets.
“We’re partnering with councils to deliver practical safety upgrades on the local roads Victorians use every single day,” Spence said.
“These projects will make local streets safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists right across the state.”
Transport Accident Commission CEO, Tracey Slatter, said vulnerable road users remained over-represented in serious injury statistics on local roads.
“Pedestrians and cyclists are over-represented in serious injuries on local roads and this program is aimed at reducing risk where it’s needed most, making everyday trips safer for all road users – particularly those that are more vulnerable,” Slatter said.
