Lights for street and student safety

RECENTLY installed pedestrian-operated traffic lights are now working at the intersection where Sturt, Russell and Morrison streets meet.

In a busy location by Loreto College and Victoria Park, and one block from Lake Wendouree, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the State-funded intersection will now be much safer for pedestrians and drivers.

“Between 2013 and 2018, there were 76 crashes at this very site. Sadly, there was even a fatality,” she said.

“This is a dangerous intersection in Ballarat and we’ve invested to make it safer for our Loreto, Ballarat High, St Pat’s and Ballarat Clarendon students, people who want to go between the lake and Victoria Park, and the whole of the community.”

Ms Addison said the traffic light project is part of a broader $4.8 million State boost to the western end of Sturt Street, which 20,000 vehicles move along daily.

“It’s our growth corridor of Ballarat and home to a number of our schools,” she said.

“This investment includes funding for Wanliss Road, between Ballarat Clarendon College and St Patrick’s College, and Vale and Longley streets opposite Ballarat High School.

“This is very targeted funding for our schools. We want to make sure they get to school and return home safely.

“These traffic lights are important safety measures for families. They address the issues of population growth and traffic congestion.”

The Loreto College school crossing that existed previously will be removed as a result of the upgrades to the intersection.