Works ahead for central road

CONSTRUCTION is underway to a three-and-a-half-kilometre section of the Shelford-Mt Mercer Road just south of Mount Mercer.

Costing $1.1 million, the upgrades include shoulder widening and sealing, new guard fencing on the east side of the road, line markings and new signage.

The construction is funded through the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program with work being coordinated by Golden Plains Shire.

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan revealed the funding back in August last year to the section of Shelford-Mt Mercer Road between Grahams and Rices roads that was little more than a single lane of bitumen.

“[I’m] pleased that Golden Plains Shire Council had acted expediently to remediate the black spot and provide a safer road for the community,” he said.

“The Black Spot program is incredibly important and targets roads like the Shelford-Mt Mercer Road, helping to save lives and reduce road trauma.”

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby welcomed the start of construction, noting the Shelford-Mt Mercer Road’s challenging history.

“The road has sadly been the site of accidents in the past several years, and I know locals and those who frequently drive this road will welcome this upgrade to improve safety for all its users,” she said.

Works at the site are expected to be completed by June this year and traffic management measures are currently in place.