Campaspe Shire Council, in consultation with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), will remove the temporary pedestrian-operated traffic signals on the Northern Highway, Echuca (just north of McSwain Road) at the end of the 2025 school year.
The signals and associated crossing infrastructure, including line marking and posts, were installed in 2024 to address staff safety concerns. Initially, the school crossing was replaced with temporary pedestrian-operated lights, and an agreement was reached with DTP for the lights to remain until August 2025. This arrangement was later extended to the end of the 2025 school year.
Each year, DTP assesses school crossings to determine eligibility for funded crossing supervisors. These assessments consider pedestrian and vehicle volumes during school drop-off and pick-up times, as well as proximity to schools. Recent assessments found that pedestrian usage and the crossing's distance from a school did not meet the criteria for funding.
Following the removal of the temporary signals, the crossing point will remain available for pedestrians to cross the Northern Highway. Footpath connections on either side, the central refuge median, and steel fencing will remain in place.
Director Infrastructure Kate Lemon said that in future, as part of the Echuca West Precinct Structure Plan, the intersection of Northern Highway, McSwain Road, and Rose Street will be upgraded to include pedestrian crossing facilities.
"Council remains committed to ensuring safe and accessible pedestrian connections across Echuca. While these temporary signals are being removed, future upgrades as part of the Echuca West Precinct Structure Plan will deliver improved crossing facilities for our growing community," Ms Lemon said.
