Works to construct a new roundabout at a high-risk Mt Rowan intersection are now complete, giving people driving through the area a safer journey thanks to the support of the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford said the new roundabout will boost safety for the 3800 vehicles that travel through the intersection every day.

The Labor Government has invested $1 million through the Fixing Country Roads Program to enable the City of Ballarat to build the new single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Kennedys Road and Gillies Road at Mt Rowan.

The intersection is the meeting point of two high-speed roads and has been the site of seven crashes since 2013, resulting in three serious injuries. New LED lights have also been installed – enhancing visibility for drivers travelling through the roundabout.

The City of Ballarat also received a further $1.4 million under round two of the Fixing Country Roads Program to reconstruct a 480-metre section of the Ring Road between Learmonth Road and Gillies Street, and a 1.6km section of Gillies Road between Jubilee Road and Millers Road at Bald Hills.

Across Ballarat, pre-construction work has also begun at the intersection of Sturt Street and Raglan and Ascot streets before the installation of new traffic lights gets underway this week. Further safety upgrades at the remaining four intersections – Talbot, Errard, Lyons and Windermere streets – will be rolled out along Sturt Street in 2020.

Regional Roads Victoria is also currently reviewing feedback from the community regarding a proposed shared user path in the city’s CBD as it progresses towards the release of more detailed designs as part of the Ballarat Safer Cycling Connections project.

Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Minister for Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford

“This new roundabout will make this busy intersection safer for the thousands of drivers who use it every day.”

Quote attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Ben Taylor

“The completion of the new roundabout at Gillies and Kennedy’s Road represents a huge reduction in risk for motorists using the intersection and a major improvement in road safety in the area.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Whether it’s the new roundabout at the Kennedys and Gillies road intersections or our upgrades to Sturt Street – we’re boosting safety for drivers right across Ballarat.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Regional roads link our communities – it’s always great to see road improvements underway and works completed that will boost safety for people driving, cycling or walking around Ballarat.”