AN INNOVATIVE new roundabout made of recycled rubber is expected to provide a safer journey for drivers on Mt Victory Road in the Grampians National Park.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Minister for Regional Development and Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford made the announcement while in the Grampians last week.
The mini rubber roundabout will be installed at the intersection of Mt Victory Road and Wonderland Road at Halls Gap – the first time this type of roundabout has been installed on an arterial road in western Victoria.
About 400 vehicles use Mt Victory Road every day, a popular tourist route which leads to the Wonderland Loop carpark in the Grampians National Park.
There have been five casualty crashes between Halls Gap and Silverband Road in the past 10 years, including a serious head-on collision at the Mt Victory Road and Wonderland Road intersection in 2010.
Three people sustained serious injuries from the incident.
But Ms Pulford said the “much-needed” safety improvement would help prevent serious crashes on the popular tourist route.
“The new roundabout will also provide a safe U-turn opportunity, something that is not generally available between Halls Gap and Silverband Road due to the winding roads through the Grampians National Park,” she said.
“These roundabouts are manufactured from recycled rubber, and are virtually indestructible, and are cost-effective to construct.”
The state government invested $100,000 in a package of works which also included new line-markings, signage and kerb works.
Ms Pulford said there was even an option to install solar-powered lighting in the future.
The upgrades were funded through the state government’s Building our Regions program, and were identified in collaboration with Parks Victoria.
The purpose of the Building our Regions program is to provide funding for critical infrastructure in regional areas of the state while generating jobs.
Construction of the roundabout is expected to be completed by early March.