Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Member for Ballarat Catherine King today announced the Gillard Labor Government will provide $637,000 to fix three dangerous black spots.
The approved projects are:
• Intersection of Barkly Street and Gladstone Street in Ballarat: $347,000 to construct a roundabout at the intersection;
• Intersection of Wendouree Parade and Pleasant Street in Ballarat: $247,000 to construct a roundabout at the intersection; and
• Navigators Road, between Bulters Road and Mullanes Road in Navigators: $43,000 to install and mark centre and edge lines, including raised reflective pavement markers and signage.
The projects were recommended by a panel of independent road safety experts and will be delivered during the course of the coming financial year (2013-14).
Ms King said since being elected in 2007, the Federal Labor Government has allocated over $9.1 million to fix thirty seven black spots across the Ballarat electorate.
“This investment is helping to make our local roads safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, with thirty two of these projects already completed,” said Ms King.
“And the good thing about our Black Spot program is that anyone can suggest an intersection or section of road they believe should be considered for a safety upgrade.
“Nomination forms are available from my office. Alternatively, they can be downloaded from: www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au.”
Mr Albanese said a recent evaluation of the program found that fatal and casualty crashes are reduced at treated sites by 30%, which translates to the saving of one life per year for every 84 projects. It also returns around $7.70 for every $1 invested by reducing the number and cost of crashes.
“That’s why nationally we’ve doubled the program’s funding to half a billion dollars – more than honouring all our election commitments.”