GIPPSLAND has secured nearly 10 per cent of the funding allocated to Victoria from a federal government program to improve road safety black spots.
The Gippsland electorate will receive $3.758 million from a pool of $38.7 million for Victoria under the 2020-21 Black Spot Program.
The funding will cover five projects, with $2 million for the Hyland Highway to correct the crossfall at Carrajung Lower Rd and install safety barriers, widen the road and seal the shoulders along a seven-kilometre section between Carrajung Lower and Won Wron.
Funding of $274,000 will be allocated for Tinamba-Newry and Upper Maffra Rds at Newry to install guideposts and a new barrier on a curve, extend an existing barrier, alter super-elevation and address a drain behind a guardrail.
On Ryans and Lanigan Rds, Coongulla, guideposts will be installed, line markings refreshed, signs and safety barriers installed on curves, and the speed limit reduced to 80 kilometres per hour, with $196,000 in funding.
With $1.14 million, guideposts, signs and safety barriers will be installed, road culverts extended, speed limit signs re-located and line markings refreshed on Gormandale-Stradbroke Rd between Gormandale and Willung.
Funding of $148,000 was also allocated for Boolarra-Mirboo North Rd, Boolarra, to install warning signs, markers, guideposts, apply line markings and reduce speeds along a 3km section west of O’Grady’s Creek.
Gippsland MHR Darren Chester said the Black Spot Program was unique in that it relied on local communities to identify priority road upgrades.
“This program specifically targets road locations with a history of crashes to deliver safety improvements,” he added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said Victoria would receive $38.7 million under the Black Spot Program’s 2020-21 funding round.
“The high-priority locations we are funding have seen a total of nine fatal crashes and a further 521 causing injuries recorded over the past five years,” he said.
Road Safety and Freight Transport Assistant Minister Scott Buchholz said the 92 Black Spot projects across Victoria would make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on Victorian roads and built on previous works in the state.
“Regional Victorians have been the primary beneficiaries of this program, as we have placed a heavy focus on addressing the number of crashes causing death and injury in regional areas,” he said.
“This new funding will see total investment through the Black Spot Program in Victoria rise to $237.4 million, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving road safety.”
