Crews have started a $75,000 project to build wider kerbs near the hospital, which will allow for a pedestrian crossing linking the hospital and its main carpark.

The state government funded the work after residents expressed concerns about safety issues, because people have to cross the highway to get to the carpark.

Crews will also install a flashing ‘Slow down’ sign and bollards near the intersection of Nelson and Victoria streets in the centre of the town.

Work started this week and is due to be completed by the middle of the year.

Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said though road works could be frustrating, people needed to be patient while the important work was completed.

She said about 5000 vehicles a day – including 1200 heavy vehicles – used the section of the highway being upgraded.

The upgrade is funded through the government’s Building our Regions initiative.