Wednesday, 21 August 2019

Nineteen of Gippsland’s highest-risk intersections will be made safer as part of the first round of the Andrews Labor Government’s state-wide blitz targeting rural and regional Victoria’s most dangerous intersections.

In a move that will prevent crashes and save lives, each intersection will receive a combination of safety improvements including upgraded advanced warning signs, new guide posts, updated line marking and new hazard markers.

The upgrades are being rolled out under a $25 million Labor Government investment to deliver one of the biggest intersection overhaul programs in regional Victoria, that will see over 200 high speed, high risk rural intersections receive safety upgrades.

Intersections have been selected based on safety record, difficulty difficulties caused by the intersection’s geometry and community feedback.

The investment in intersection upgrades across rural Victoria is part of the $1.4 billion Towards Zero Action Plan that is being delivered in partnership between the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and VicRoads.

The 200 intersection upgrades taking place across the state will be delivered in two stages between now and mid2020.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Minister for Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford

“We are making some of the most significant road safety upgrades that the state has ever seen – because everyone deserves to get home safely.”

“With almost half of all road fatalities in Victoria occurring on rural roads, it’s so important we make sure drivers are aware they are approaching high-risk intersections.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale

“These small upgrades will go a long way to boosting safety for people driving through these high-speed intersections.

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We know that improved visibility, markers and warnings make a positive difference at high risk intersections. These investments will go a long way towards improving driver awareness and safety, but we also need drivers to approach and cross these intersections with care and focus.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett

“With nearly a third of deaths on Victorian roads occurring at intersections – these upgrades will boost safety for everyone on our roads.”