Works will commence next month to construct at roundabout at the intersection of King Street and Shakespeare/Gordon Street.
The upgrade project was funded by a $260,000 grant received from the Federal Government's Blackspot Program, announced by Dan Tehan MP in July 2019. The Black Spot Program targets road locations where crashes are occurring, reducing the risk of incidents through funding safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr Chris Sharples said Council are pleased to see work begin on this significant project for the Southern Grampians community.
"Council identified and acknowledged the need for safety and access improvements at this dangerous high-traffic intersection some time ago, so we are pleased that after much planning and development, work is starting next month," Cr Sharples said.
Willmore Contractors, will commence construction works the week of Monday, 16 March 2020 and are expected to be finished by the end of April 2020, weather permitting.
For the duration of the works, Gordon St and Shakespeare St will be closed at the intersection of King St. Traffic management will be in place along King St, reducing King St to one lane with traffic lights controlling traffic. Signed detours will be in place, directing traffic via either Mt Baimbridge Road, Kent Road, Park Street, Victoria Street or Horner Street.
Entry to and exit from the HILAC carpark will also be impacted by the works. Entry will now be via the first driveway on Shakespeare St (formerly the exit). The current entry on Shakespeare St will be closed. Users will need to exit the HILAC carpark via the friendlies oval gate on King Street. Please refer to maps available online at www.sthgrampains.vic.gov.au to ensure you familiarise yourself with these changes.
"We request that where possible, you plan your trips around the area to ensure you avoid the road closures and being delayed due to the works. If you're visiting HILAC, please allow yourself some extra time to make sure you get to your lesson, class or game on time," Cr Sharples said.
"While we acknowledge that there will be disruption for a small period of time, the creation of a roundabout at this intersection is critical to reducing the potential for accidents and greatly improve safety for our community. We thank the community in advance for their cooperation and patience as we complete these important works," Cr Sharples concluded.
