$2m improvement for Geelong black spots

DANGEROUS Geelong roads will share in $2.08 million of federal funding to improve safety.

The federal government has announced recipients of its Black Spot Program, which funds safety measures at locations where a number of serious crashes have occurred, or are at risk of occurring.

The program would deliver $1.13 million to upgrade a roundabout at Marshalltown Road and Bailey Street in Grovedale, including wombat crossings, reconstructed centre islands, a new road surface, drainage and street lighting.

New pedestrian crossings would be installed at Minerva Road, Herne Hill near schools between Church and Herne street for $618,000.

A section of Blackgate Road, Mount Duneed west of Horseshoe Bend Road would get a new safety barrier, improved linemarking and have an 80kmh zone extended.

The projects are part of $25.6 million for 57 dangerous crash sites in Victoria identified through the federal government’s Black Spot Program.

Corangamite MP Libby Coker welcomed the announcement last week.

“This major investment is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to building safer roads.

“In announcing these new projects, this Government recognises the importance of working with local councils, including the Surf Coast Shire and the City of Greater Geelong, to deliver this program in the state.

“I commend our local councils for being proactive in pursuing this funding.”

Grovedale Primary School principal Tina Barnett said the money would improve safety for school families.

“The Grovedale Primary School community are all very pleased that the Bailey Street and Marshalltown Road area has been identified for such significant upgrades.

“It’s a busy area and we know that this investment from the Federal Government will improve the safety of our children and their families for years to come.

“Along with our School Council, we have been advocating for preventative measures to be installed since mid-2022 and this announcement has come as a welcome acknowledgement of the importance of protecting our local community members of all ages.”

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan applauded the funding allocation for the “community-led project”.

“This will help make a busy precinct, which is used by people of all ages, safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”