New pedestrian-operated traffic lights at a busy Ballarat intersection have been switched on, keeping hundreds of school students safe on their journey to and from school.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the new lights at the intersection of Sturt, Russell and Morrison streets are part of a broader $4.8 million investment by the Andrews Labor Government in boosting safety along the western end of Sturt Street.

With the developing western suburbs of Ballarat expected to become home to more than 40,000 people in the coming decade, the new lights also aim to ease traffic congestion, particularly around the school precinct.

The existing school crossing near Loreto College will be removed, with the new lights completing a series of upgrades that extend the existing eastbound right turning lane from Sturt Street into Russell Street and a left-turn lane from Russell Street into Sturt Street.

Other upgrades delivered under this project include significant improvements around Vale Street, Longley Street and Ballarat High School, the Elliot Street intersection and new entry and exit points to service roads near the Wanliss Street intersection.

More work is still to come, including constructing new turning lanes at the Arch of Victory roundabout and improved access onto Sturt Street from adjoining service roads.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The new pedestrian-operated traffic lights will make it easier and safer to cross busy Sturt Street – particularly the hundreds of students who walk to and from schools in the area, each day.”

“Anyone who regularly travels along this section of Sturt Street knows just how busy it can get, particularly during school pick-up and drop-off times.”

“We are delivering improvements to support future growth and to make the road safer and more reliable for everyone travelling to work, school and other activities through the increasingly busy western end of Sturt Street.”