Works done along blackspot

UPGRADES to Shelford-Mt Mercer Road that were fully funded by the Federal Government’s Black Spot Project, are now complete.

The $1.1 million worth of works along a 3.5-kilometre stretch included installing guard rails, improvements to lane marking, the replacement of damaged signs, as well as widening and sealing between Grahams and Rices road.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby said the municipality was happy to have delivered another safety upgrade of one of the Shire’s most travelled roads.

“[We] had an impressive list of road and bridge infrastructure projects at the start of 2021, and it’s pleasing to have ticked Shelford-Mt Mercer Road off that list,” she said.

“With more than 1700 kilometres of council-managed roads, we are always grateful for funding support from the Australian Government through its Black Spot Program to be able to deliver road upgrades for our communities.”

This year Golden Plains Shire has had several other upgrades in the pipeline, including the stage one and two widening of Meredith-Shelford Road at Meredith, Russells Bridge Road at Russells Bridge.

Other completed works include upgrades at Garibaldi’s Buninyong-Mt Mercer Road/Hardies Hill Road intersection, and the Berringa’s Derwent Jacks Road/Snow Gum Road/Reef Road/Chromes Road intersection.

The Federal Government has pledged $1.1 billion to its Black Spot Program between the 2013-2014 financial year and 2023-24 financial years, with an ongoing commitment of $110 million each year after that.