Horsham Rural City Council is planning a series of new raised pedestrian crossings throughout central Horsham to improve safety, accessibility and connectivity for the local community, following additional funding support from the Victorian Government through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Local Government Grant Program.
The funding, valued at approximately $242,000, will support the delivery of several raised pedestrian crossings at key locations across Horsham, including:
- Baillie Street and Hillary Street
- Baillie Street near Horsham College and Federation University Australia
- Baillie Street near Wimmera Base Hospital
- Hillary Street and Kirwood Street
- Mathoura Street and Kooyong Street
These locations experience high levels of pedestrian activity and regular vehicle movements throughout the day, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up periods and within the hospital precinct.
Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said the project would deliver important safety improvements for the community while encouraging safer and more accessible walking connections throughout Horsham.
"This funding support from the Victorian Government through the TAC will allow Council to deliver practical infrastructure improvements that help make it safer and easier for people to move around Horsham," said Cr Klowss.
The raised crossings are designed to improve pedestrian safety by slowing vehicle speeds and increasing driver awareness in areas where people frequently cross the road. The treatments will provide safer and more visible crossing points for students, parents, carers, hospital patients, staff, visitors and other community members accessing nearby facilities and services.
The crossing near Horsham College and Federation University Australia will improve safety for students travelling between educational facilities and surrounding residential areas. Similarly, the crossings near Horsham West Primary School are aimed at improving pedestrian safety during peak school periods, where traffic congestion and turning movements are common.
Cr Klowss said the project would provide long-term benefits for both pedestrians and motorists.
"These crossings are about creating a safer road environment through improved visibility, reduced vehicle speeds and more formalised crossing points," Cr Klowss said.
"Importantly, the project will also improve accessibility and strengthen connections between schools, community facilities, residential areas and essential services."
The proposed crossing near Wimmera Base Hospital will create a safer and more accessible crossing point for patients, visitors and staff within the hospital precinct, where pedestrian activity remains consistently high throughout the day.
As part of the project, Council is also proposing to formalise a 40 km/h speed zone near the hospital crossing, replacing the current advisory speed environment to further enhance safety outcomes for both pedestrians and motorists.
The works will include associated pavement upgrades, drainage improvements, signage and line-marking modifications to support the new crossing infrastructure.
Further design development and community engagement will continue as the project progresses, with additional updates to be provided ahead of construction activities.
