Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians now have a safer journey through the heart of Ballarat thanks to an Andrews Labor Government investment to improve safety and accessibility in the city’s CBD.

Works are now complete on upgrades at six high-risk intersections along Sturt Street as part of the Government’s $60 million Keeping Ballarat Moving initiative.

New traffic lights have been installed and switched on at the Ascot, Raglan and Ripon street intersections as part of the works, while the Errard, Talbot and Lyons street intersections have been converted to safer U-turn only configurations.

Works to enhance the safety of bustling Sturt Street come after figures between 2011 and 2017 show 135 people were injured as a result of 85 crashes at these intersections, ranking them among some of western Victoria’s worst accident blackspots.

The street’s picturesque median strip has also been extended across the Windermere Street intersection, providing additional green space for the community to enjoy, with a new shared path along the median strip providing a safer journey for cyclists and pedestrians in the city’s CBD.

The path also gives an off-road connection between Pleasant and Lyons streets, increasing access to the historic gardens and statues.

The shared path upgrade is part of the Ballarat Safer Cycling Connections program, formed as part of the Government’s $1.4 billion investment into reducing road trauma statewide.

Regional Roads Victoria has delivered works in partnership with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“Not only will these upgrades ensure everyone travelling along Sturt Street is safer, but they will also encourage more locals to either walk or ride to where they need to go.”

“Delivering upgrades to Ballarat’s CBD to make it safer benefits the whole community – making it a safer and more accessible place is good for locals and the growing economy.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“These works have boosted the safety of everyone travelling along Sturt Street – upgrading these high-risk intersections was in the best interest of our community.”

“The new Sturt Street shared path will encourage more people to get active; whether that means more students riding their bikes to school, a new walking route or leaving the car at home when heading into the city’s centre.”