Wombat crossings to enable safer strolling

SEVERAL wombat crossings will be constructed to improve pedestrian safety on the Bellarine Peninsula through a state government grant program.

As of Monday this week, 25 pedestrians have been killed on Victorian roads over the previous 12 months, and the $23 million in Safe System Pedestrian Infrastructure funding is intended for areas where those on foot are more at risk, or where pedestrian crashes have been identified.

To help drive down pedestrian-related road trauma, local councils applied for funding to develop and deliver upgrades in their community.

This round of funding will support developments at some high-priority sites, including wombat crossings on the west and north leg of the roundabout at Barwon Heads and Golf Links roads in Barwon Heads as well as wombat crossings with footpath connections around the roundabout at Grubb and Shell soad in Ocean Grove.

“We are building safe roads across the state for all road users and making it easier for everyone to get where they need to go, especially pedestrians,” Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said.

Pedestrian safety treatments such as raised priority crossings, wombat crossings, zebras with speed cushions on the approaches, raised intersections, and pedestrian-operated signals will be a priority across local and arterial roads.

This round of funding also supports the development of wombat crossings at busy intersections in Highton, pedestrian crossing upgrades at the Ferguson Street and Melbourne Road intersection in Williamstown, and other pedestrian upgrades at Benalla, Kangaroo Flat, Wangaratta and Pascoe Vale.

The state government says the package supports Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to significantly reduce road trauma and halve road deaths by 2030.

“This investment will go a long way to improve pedestrian safety right across the state – by giving local councils the chance to address the issues and concerns impacting their communities,” Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said/

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has also welcomed the works.

According to the TAC, the risk of death or injury rises rapidly if pedestrians are hit by a vehicle travelling above 30kmh, and most pedestrian deaths occur at intersection where there are no traffic lights.

“Working with local councils is integral to improving safety infrastructure to better protect pedestrians, make the roads safer and more liveable for everyone who uses them,” TAC chief executive officer Tracey Slatter said.