Ross Creek intersection to receive upgrade

THE intersection of Lacys Road and Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road at Ross Creek is set to receive an upgrade.

The project will be funded through the State Government’s Safe Local Roads and Streets Program, which provides municipalities with the money to improve the safety of roads they manage.

“This is a great package of funding for Golden Plains Shire,” Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said.

“In my patch there is this great one here in Ross Creek, but we’ve also got a raised pedestrian crossing in Smythesdale, (and) a raised pedestrian crossing and speed limit reduction in Haddon.

“This project is all about the State Government giving funding to local councils to improve their local roads and streets.”

The upgrade will include the addition of a concrete barrier and a traffic island on Lacys Road to prevent road users from cutting the corner as well as line marking on Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road.

The project is expected to go to tender later this year, with construction to begin in the first half of 2026.

“This project will address a number of concerns we have at this intersection, primarily to reduce speed and prevent cars or trucks from cutting some corners,” Golden Plains Shire CEO Adam McSwain said.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said it is great to receive assistance from the State Government in managing local roads.

“Our bucket of funds that we have is so limited so there’s many projects that get overlooked not having the funds available,” he said.

“To be able to have State Government funds to fast-track these really, really helps.”

Any community members who would like to see road upgrades in their area are encouraged to reach out to their local member or Golden Plains Shire councillors.