Infamous intersections on road to rectification

THE notorious intersection of the Midland Highway and Howard Street in Epsom – voted the most dangerous intersection in regional Victoria in a 2024 RACV survey – will finally be fixed, the state government has promised.

The government has also committed to installing a fully signalised intersection at Calder Highway and Maiden Gully Road, complete with a shared user path linking Maiden Gully to the City of Greater Bendigo’s trail network into the CBD.

The pledges form part of a budget announcement that $73.4 million will be invested in regional Victoria to develop projects, tackle congestion and improve safety on key highways.

It said it will work with the community and confirm delivery timelines on both projects at some point.

Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the investments would deliver crucial upgrades to the important thoroughfares.

“Both intersections have been long-time advocacy priorities of council, with significant work needed to improve safety and access,” he said.

“The Midland Highway is a key arterial road in our city, while Howard Street is a gazetted truck route, with both roads carrying approximately 10000 vehicles each day.

“Significant development in Epsom has meant the current intersection is no longer adequate for the traffic and activity happening in the area.

“In Maiden Gully, the Calder Highway is a key thoroughfare for the west of Bendigo, which has an important role in accommodating future growth for our city.

“We are grateful to the Victorian government for such significant investments in road projects in our region.”