Intersection projects underway

East Gippsland Shire Council has begun work to improve two busy intersections in Bairnsdale.

A roundabout will be built at the intersection of Wallace and Goold streets, while at Short and McEacharn streets, changes will be made to that intersection.

The focus of both projects is to improve road safety for vehicles and pedestrians. These locations have a history of crashes.

Work has recently started at McEacharn and Short streets, with this project expected to be completed by mid-October.

The $230,000 project is being funded by a National Black Spot Program grant of $215,000, with council funding the balance. Work will be carried out by Fowlers Asphalting.

The Wallace and Goold streets project to construct a roundabout began last month and is due to be finished in late December.

The project will cost $461,761 and has been funded by Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program. The roundabout will be built by Cranes Asphalting.

Council’s General Manager Assets and Environment Fiona Weigall said the projects will create safer intersections for drivers and pedestrians.

“McEacharn Street is a busy access road for residents in the East Bairnsdale area, as well as people using the sporting facilities at Howitt Park. Just off the highway McEacharn Street intersects with Short Street and the driveway to the sporting precinct,” Ms Weigall said.

"It is expected that the changes in this area will help traffic flow and make it clear who has right-of-way at the intersection.

“The crossing point of Wallace and Goold streets is the latest East Gippsland intersection to be upgraded to a roundabout. This has been identified as the best option to improve the safety of people travelling through this area.”