Black spot blitz for road fix

A road blitz is set to be undertaken across the Mitchell Shire region, including the Queen and Windham Streets intersection in Wallan, with a Federal Government commitment to fix black spots on the road.

The funding is set to be provided as part of the 2025-26 Black Spot Program, which will now provide $3.412 million worth of funding to fix roads across the Mitchell Shire.

The announcement is in addition to the recent completion of comprehensive works to fix Wellington Street, as well as the recent announcement of $45 million to fix nearby Old Sydney Road in Beveridge from Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell.

$855,000 will be dedicated to fixing the notorious Wallan intersection.

“The intersection of Queen and Windham Streets in Wallan has become a dangerous intersection for many locals in our community,” Mr Mitchell said.

“With $855,000 in Black Spot funding, the safety improvements will include the installation of a roundabout with a semi-mountable island, a raised priority crossing to the south and two raised safety platforms to the east and north. These upgrades will transform this area for both motorists and pedestrians.

The Mitchell Shire area has been the beneficiary of the recent roads blitz, and more work will now be undertaken to ensure there is greater safety across the board.

Four more locations will also receive upgrades.

In Seymour, Anglesey Street, between Loco and Jordan Streets, there will be an installation of two raised priority crossings and two raised safety platforms with the goal of increasing pedestrian safety.

Kilmore will receive funding on Kilmore East Road, west of O’Grady’s Road, with safety barriers, a wide-painted centreline, upgrades to signage and line marking the key focus.

Broadford-Wandong Road in Broadford, between Goodenia Court and Saunders Road, will also get improvements, with improved street lighting, guideposts and reflective pavement markers, as well as a potential for a reduced speed limit to 80 km/h.

Lancefield-Pyalong Road in High Camp, near Mt William Road, will have safety barriers installed, curve widening and a wide centreline.

Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Councillor John Dougall said the funding would allow upgrades to be delivered with ease.

“Our roads are used by residents, visitors, and local businesses every day. These upgrades will make a real difference in reducing risk and helping our community get where they need to go safely.,” he said.

“Local roads – particularly in rural and regional areas – need targeted investment to keep our communities safe.

“These projects are just one example of how different levels of government can work together to deliver practical, life-saving improvements.

“This outcome is also a great example of the work done by Council’s road safety assessors. They have analysed the data, applied risk management practices and prepared submissions that have received funding for projects that will make a real difference.”

The funding was provided as part of a commitment from the Australian government to increase funding from Black Spot programs, which has risen to $150 million per year across the country.

It also includes progressively doubling Roads to Recovery funding from $500 million to $1 billion a year and delivering nationally-harmonised data sets to inform road safety decision making.