Roundabout completed at dangerous intersection

CONSTRUCTION of a roundabout at a dangerous intersection in Birregurra has been completed.
Major works started at the intersection of Birregurra-Forrest Road, Colac-Lorne Road and Deepdene Road late last year.
The upgrade followed community outcry to improve safety at the intersection, following three crashes there between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve 2017.
The three crashes were among seven crashes at the intersection between January 2014 and 2019, resulting in 21 serious injuries and one death.
Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) says the new roundabout will improve safety for drivers by helping to physically control and lower the speed of vehicles on approach to the intersection, while also reducing the risk of cross-traffic and rear-end crashes.
Significant earthworks have removed the crests on all approaches and raised the intersection to provide better sight distance.
About 45,000 tonnes of clay and road base was cut and reused on site, while another 17,000 tonnes of material was imported from local quarries.
New kerb-and-channel drainage has also been installed, as well as new lighting, line-marking, guard rail and signage.
Following the crashes in late 2017, RRV installed temporary safety measures at the intersection to improve safety while it developed a long-term solution, including reducing speed limits, installing warning signs, applying new line markings and removing trees to improve line of sight.
Community consultation in February 2018 and RRV’s technical investigations determined a roundabout was the best solution for improving safety at the intersection.
Preliminary works to prepare for the installation of the roundabout began in 2018, including the relocation of services, soil and hydrology testing, vegetation clearing and fencing.