Lights on in Wallan

New pedestrian lights on High Street in Wallan were turned on for the first time on Friday, improving the safety of pedestrians.

The lights will help people move between Wallan’s retail strip and recreation spaces in Hadfield Park, and are linked with the intersection signals at Watson Street and at Queen Street to ensure peak traffic flow periods are not impacted.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said Wallan’s growing community was clear in its need for a safe link between Hadfield Park and the shopping precinct.

“The popularity of the park, its family-friendly atmosphere and not to mention markets and festivals held regularly, mean the Wallan Heart and park are a key community connector,” he said.

“The lights will provide safety for pedestrians as well keeping traffic moving through the town centre.

“With a growing community catering for families and older residents’ safety is at the forefront of the installation of this pedestrian system.”

The new crossing is part of the $4.1 million Wallan Town Heart revitalisation which is helping to transform the town into a connected, vibrant community and retail hub.

“When we started the Town Heart project, one of the things the community told us they wanted was a safe place for people to cross and link with businesses in the town,” Cr Chisholm said.

“The lights being switched on will help people cross and improve safety for events like markets and festivals in the area. This will be a critical piece of infrastructure for years to come.”