Bright signs for She Oaks’ bridge

SHARP Road Bridge at She Oaks will receive safety upgrades following a funding announcement by the State Government.

The single lane bridge, which crosses the Moorabool River, is set for $17,000 worth of electronic signage with traffic sensors from the Victorian Government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions program, while Golden Plains will contribute a further $10,000.

As part of the upgrade new flashing LED warning signs will be installed.

“This new electronic signage will help to improve safety for everyone crossing the bridge on Sharp Road, particularly drivers who aren’t familiar with the area,” said Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle.

“It will give people much more notice of the need to slow down and let oncoming cars and trucks through, making it a lot safer for drivers.

“We’re supporting this project through our Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program, which funds small-scale initiatives that have a big positive impact on communities.”

The work on installing the new signs will be carried out by Golden Plans Shire and the municipality will also manage the ongoing running of the infrastructure.

Mayor Cr Helena Kirby said challenges with the Sharp Road Bridge, and others in the area, had long been an issue for communities east of the Moorabool.

“The local community in the Maude, She Oaks and Steiglitz area are active campaigners for increased road safety along the Moorabool Valley’s many bridges, and council is pleased to be able to partner with the State Government to deliver a safer crossing on Sharp Road,” she said.

“The installation of new warning signage on the Sharp Road Bridge in She Oaks is great news for the local community and I thank the Victorian Government for supporting this important project.”

The new signage will become even more important after the nearby Slate Quarry Road Bridge closed early this week for six months while that single lane bridged is replaced with a duel-carriageway deck.