Funding to fix region’s Black Spots

THE federal government has allocated more than $1.6 million to improve some of the most dangerous sections of road in the Geelong region.

The funds come from the 2020–21 Black Spot Program, which will see more than $10 million invested in projects across regional Victoria.

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the funds would help protect communities from the often devastating effects of road accidents.

“Road crashes place major emotional and economic strains on all affected communities but particularly the families and friends of the victims.”

She said 21 projects across the Corangamite, Corio Ballarat and Bendigo electorates would be delivered under the 2020–21 funding round.

The largest local project is the $1.02 million widening of the Mount Duneed Road intersection and rail underpass near Moriac, which the Surf Coast Shire council requested funding for in December 2019.

As well as the construction of 1m-wide sealed shoulders, the project will see skid-resistant asphalt laid down, the installation of a guard fence with rub-rail and street lighting, and updated signage.

The grant also includes $225,000 for improvements to the intersection of Surf Coast Highway and Reserve Road. The works will include spike down rubber islands, improved signage and a new street light, and the banning of right-turn and through manoeuvres out of Reserve Road and Felix Street.

The program will also see Russells Bridge Road have its speed limit reduced to 60kmh for the majority of its distance. The $138,000 works will also see additional Chevron Alignment Markers, raised reflective pavement marker and guideposts installed along the road.

In the Bellarine, $250,000 will go towards improving the safety of the intersection of Portarlington Road and McAdams Lane. This will include the installation of guideposts and roadside safety barriers.

Ms Henderson thanked the community for their feedback on the projects.

“None of these projects would be delivered without the community’s vital input and I encourage all residents and motorists in the region to nominate projects for future funding rounds,” she said.