More intersection upgrades get underway on VIC's Calder Highway

More intersection upgrades as part of Victoria’s $20 million Calder Highway - Bendigo to Mildura Upgrade will soon begin construction to improve freight efficiency on Sunraysia’s road network.

Works are set to commence in early July to make the Hattah-Robinvale Road intersection and Mildura’s 17th Street safer for motorists.

“These two new intersections will reduce the risk of crashes and improve traffic flow at these busy intersections, which have seen a total of 13 crashed in the past five years.
“The roundabouts are part of a joint $20 million investment in boosting safety on the Calder Highway from Mildura to Ouyen and improving conditions for freight and transport on the intersecting Sturt Highway,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.

The new intersections will require vehicles to slow down to safer speeds as well as guide traffic in one direction. Victorian Minister for Roads Jaala Pulford said that the intersections will help reduce the chance of a crash or reduce the impact of the crash - when it does occur - due to lower speeds.

“The design of the 17th Street intersection upgrade also incorporates the capability to be converted to a double-lane configuration should the volume of traffic increase in the future,” Ms Pulford added.

According to Federal Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster, locals have been asking for safety improvements at the two intersections and the beginning of works will bring relief for locals on the roads.

“As both the Calder and the Sturt highways serve as key links to important domestic and international trade markets, these upgrades will make it easier and safer for the region’s primary producers and freight operators to access trade opportunities,” Dr Webster said.

The upgrades are due to be completed by early 2020.

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Source: Premier of Victoria; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Roads & Infrastructure Australia