The Andrews Labor Government is keeping Ballarat moving with plans released to bust congestion and increase safety at some of Ballarat’s most notorious traffic chokepoints.

Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford joined Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle and Member for Wendouree Julianna Addison to release plans for five key projects around the city as part of the Labor Government’s $60.8 million Keeping Ballarat Moving investment.

It comes as exploratory digging to locate essential underground services is set to begin on four of the projects over the coming months, before major work begins on the first of the sites in mid-2020.

The city’s southern gateway is set for an overhaul, with the Midland Highway set to be expanded from two lanes to four between Queen and Docwra streets.

A new roundabout at the intersection of the Midland Highway and Docwra Street will boost safety and an upgraded pedestrian crossing will make life easier for students and families heading to Magpie Primary School.

Existing roundabouts at the intersections of Wiltshire Lane and Latrobe Street, Wiltshire lane and the Glenelg Highway and Hertford and Albert streets will be replaced with traffic lights, ensuring an even flow of traffic in all directions.

New traffic lights will also be installed at the intersection of Gillies Street and Gregory Street to cater for rising traffic volumes. Plans for a new roundabout at the intersection Dyson Drive and Ballarat-Carngham Road will be released later in 2020.

To view the plans, sign up for updates to find out more about any of these projects, visit regionalroads.vic.gov.au.

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

“We’re excited to be able to share plans for these significant upgrades, which will benefit thousands of drivers right across Ballarat.”  

“These projects will ensure that Ballarat’s road network continues to work for our growing population with better connections to keep traffic moving.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“These plans are the next step for delivering a safer crossing for Magpie Primary School, and a faster, safer drive into Ballarat from Sebastopol all the way down to Geelong.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Whether you’re off to work, taking the kids to school or heading to the shops – these important upgrades will keep Ballarat moving and get everyone home sooner and safer.”