Road safety across the Ballarat municipality is being strengthened, with construction works commencing at two key locations identified as high-risk intersections.
The City of Ballarat, in partnership with the Australian Government through the Black Spots Program, is delivering vital upgrades at Greenhalghs Road and Finchs Road, Bunkers Hill and at the Avenue of Honour and Hendersons Road, Burrumbeet.
The two projects received $2,684,928 in Australian Government 2024/25 Black Spot Program funding.
At Greenhalghs and Finchs Road, works will include construction of a roundabout with splitter islands, raised safety platforms, new lighting, line-marking and minor drainage.
The works will commence this week and are expected to be completed by February 2026, subject to weather delays or unforeseen issues.
A roadside memorial at the intersection will be protected throughout the works.
The works compliment previous safety improvements in the area over the past two years. In July 2023, the City of Ballarat installed rumble strips and upgraded signs on the Greenhalghs and Finchs Road intersection as part of an interim safety measure.
In late 2024, the speed limit on Greenhalghs Road was reduced to 80km/h to improve road safety, while earlier this year the City of Ballarat completed reconstruction works on a section of Finchs Road, between Bells Road and Greenhalghs Road, to boost safety.
Works to improve safety at the Avenue of Honour and Hendersons Road in Burrumbeet will begin on Monday 20 October.
The works will widen the pavement, install splitter islands, rumble strips and raised safety platforms as well as improve signage and lighting.
Two trees will be replaced and aligned with the remaining Avenue of Honour trees and name plaques will also be relocated to the new trees.
The City of Ballarat is working with the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee and has obtained a Heritage Victoria permit.
The works are expected to be completed by the end of December, subject to weather delays or unforeseen issues.
The City of Ballarat has consulted with nearby residents and landowners at both the Bunkers Hill and Burrumbeet locations. Traffic management will be in place during the works.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said improving road safety is vital.
"These upgrades are a direct response to community concerns and crash data," she said.
"We are acting to make these two intersections safer for everyone.
"I am proud to see these projects moving forward and thank the Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, and the Australian Government for their support through the Black Spots Program."
Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King said the important upgrades will make the two intersections safer for everyone who uses them.
"I would ask drivers to be patient, take care and drive to the conditions in these areas while the roadworks underway," she said.
"The Albanese Government has significantly increased funding for the Black Spots Program and I encourage community members to nominate a local road or intersection that they feel is dangerous and in need of a safety upgrade."
The Black Spots Program targets locations where serious crashes have occurred or are at risk of occurring, funding safety measures to prevent future incidents.
