MAKING THE RIGHT TURN ON NEW CALDER AND STURT HIGHWAY INTERSECTION UPGRADES

CONSTRUCTION will soon start on new intersection upgrades on the Calder Highway that will reduce the risk of crashes at two notorious intersections while improving freight efficiency in north-west Victoria’s Sunraysia region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the works at the Hattah–Robinvale Road intersection and Mildura’s 17th Street, due to begin in early July, would make these roads safer.

“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 crashes in the past five years,” Mr McCormack said.

“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.”

Victorian Minister for Roads Jaala Pulford said the new intersections would slow vehicles to safer speeds and guide traffic in one direction.

“Our research data indicates that intersection upgrades reduce the chance of crashes by up to 85 percent and when crashes do unfortunately occur, they are likely to be at lower speed and reduced severity,” Ms Pulford said.

“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.”

Federal Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said local residents had been asking for improved safety measures at these locations, so the start of works would come as a welcome relief for every driver, motorcyclist and cyclist on the roads.

“It will also make life easier for the 280-plus heavy vehicles that pass through the intersections each day,” Dr Webster said.

“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.”

Works on the projects are expected to be completed in early 2020. 

Speed reductions will be in place for the duration of the works for the safety of drivers and workers.

The speed limit will be returned to 60 km/h when works are complete.

The $20 million Calder Highway – Bendigo to Mildura Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments on a 50:50 basis.