Main drag set for upgrades

SIX Sturt Street intersections described as “notorious” are in line for safety overhauls under a plan announced by the State Government.

The intersections of Sturt and Lyons, Raglan, Errard, Ascot, Talbot and Windermere streets will all be the subject of community consultations with the aim of making them safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety and Ballarat based Western Victoria upper house MP Jaala Pulford said the sites have seen 85 crashes over the last decade resulting in 135 people being hurt.

“Something needs to be done to address the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians along Sturt Street and we’re making sure that the whole community can be involved in discussions around how we achieve that goal,” she said.

Lead by Regional Roads Victoria, community talks on the upgrades are slated for February and will include the City of Ballarat, the Ballarat Heritage Advisory Group, the Ballarat Bicycle Users Group and the Sturt Street Traders’ Group.

Potential solutions will not be made public until after the stakeholder consultations have been concluded.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr. Samantha McIntosh was up beat about the planned community engagement process.

“Sturt Street is a VicRoads highway and we welcome them engaging with the public about their specific design solution options,” she said.

Ms McIntosh also said the municipality had a preference for potential outcomes.

“Our focus on a design-led city approach to achieve best possible urban design outcomes, along with the safety benefits,” she said.

Money for the upgrades will come from the State Government’s $100 million Safer Cyclists and Pedestrians Fund.