CHANGES to a prominent intersection in Horsham are among safety upgrades planned for the Western Highway.
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Roads Minister Luke Donnellan confirmed the roundabout at O’Callaghan Parade, Stawell Road and McPherson Street would transform into a “turbointersection” to improve traffic flow along the highway.
Turbointersections are designed to allow more continuous flow of traffic in certain lanes.
Mr Donnellan’s comments came during a press conference at Stawell on Monday afternoon, when he announced a $20 million upgrade of the Western Highway between Stawell and the South Australian border that would improve driving conditions for motorists, motorcyclists and truck drivers.
The money will includes upgrading intersections, pavement rehabilitation and constructing turning lanes.
The project will be delivered across three years.
Mr Donnellan said reallocated federal government money would help to fund the changes to the Horsham intersection, which had been under VicRoads consideration.
“More than anything, it’s about trying to make it safer for the trucks that move through Horsham and provide a more reliable journey with a priority for people passing through Horsham so we can get people through that marvellous town and on to their journeys,” he said.
Mr Donnellan said repairing flood-damaged roads in the Horsham municipality was also a priority, with money coming from separate coffers.
He said the upgrades right along the highway were important for safety because 6500 vehicles, including 1500 trucks, used the road every day.
There were 102 crashes on the Western Highway between Stawell and the South Australian border between 2012 and 2017, including seven fatalities and 52 serious injuries.
“Drivers have already seen the benefits of the 55 kilometres of the highway that’s already been duplicated and we’ll continue to build a better Western Highway to support local communities and jobs throughout Western Victoria,” Mr Donnellan said.
“There is great food and there are great experiences here for all the community to come and enjoy – and, in many ways, having a better road surface and a safer road surface will encourage more people (to visit) and that’s important.”
Australia's roads will be in the spotlight in 2018 as the federal government prepares to start a review into road pricing.
Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher said the current road funding system had “some features that don't seem very fair”.
“If you are able to buy a $125,000 Tesla, the amount you pay through fuel excise to use the roads is zero,” he said.
Mr Donellan said the government was aware of this, as fuel excise reduced because cars used less petrol, there would be a change in taxes.
“Obviously they don’t pay fuel excise, but they would pay registration and other charges along the way,” he said.
“We need to look at having enough options for people in the outer and country areas, how do they get in and out of the city in a way they need to.
“If people don’t have another option besides driving than that is a bit unfair – we need other options.”
Federal Transport Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Barnaby Joyce said the Western Highway was one of Victoria’s busiest highways.
“The Western Highway serves as a key transport corridor through Victoria’s western district and upgrading this section of the highway will significantly improve safety for all users including farming, tourism and manufacturing interests,” he said.
VicRoads has been contacted for comment.