The first of a package of intersection upgrades along Sturt Street in Ballarat are set to begin soon, as consultation continues on the proposed bike path ahead of designs being finalised.

Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford said two new sets of traffic lights will be installed at the Raglan and Ascot Street intersections, while existing lights at Ripon Street will be improved to add a pedestrian link between Sturt Street’s central medians.

These works are the first in a package of upgrades to be rolled out at six Sturt Street intersections, which have seen more than 135 people injured in crashes during the past 10 years.

The upgrades come following a period of extensive consultation between Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) and the community about how to improve safety along Sturt Street.

Original plans in 2017 proposed closing the six intersections, but the Andrews Labor Government asked RRV to go back to the drawing board and examine other potential safety upgrades.

The updated designs for the six intersection upgrades have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, while the community is being urged to have their say on a proposed shared user path along Sturt Street ahead of designs being finalised.

People can view the artist’s impressions by visiting the RRV website and provide feedback on the proposed path by emailing ballaratprojects@roads.vic.gov.au.

Installation of the new traffic lights is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with construction to take up to 18 weeks.

Further safety upgrades at the remaining four intersections – Talbot, Errard, Lyons and Windermere streets – will be rolled out along Sturt Street in 2020.

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

“These notorious intersections have seen more than 100 crashes and countless near misses – we’re getting on with these upgrades because everyone deserves to make it home safe.”

“We continue to talk to the community about designs for the proposed Sturt Street bike path, and I encourage people to jump online and have their say.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“We’ve heard from the Ballarat community who use these intersections every day that something needs to be done to make them safer and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Sturt Street is an iconic part of Ballarat and these upgrades will ensure drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are as safe as possible.”