Bairnsdale intersection projects improve safety

East Gippsland Shire Council’s work to improve two busy intersections in Bairnsdale is nearing completion.

A significant change at the intersection of Wallace and Goold streets from a crossroad to a roundabout has been implemented to improve safety for vehicles and pedestrians.

Council’s General Manager Assets and Environment Fiona Weigall said the decision to upgrade the Wallace and Goold streets intersection was based on its crash history, including serious crashes which required hospitalisation.

“An assessment of the intersection of Wallace and Goold streets determined that the most appropriate way to improve safety was to reconfigure the intersection into a roundabout,” Ms Weigall said.

“The roundabout has been designed to all the relevant standards including road width. The roundabout will include a 1.5-metre mountable kerb around the inside, which will assist larger vehicles navigate the intersection.”

The project is progressing well and is on track to be finished in late December. The project cost of $461,761 has been funded by Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program. The roundabout has been built by Cranes Asphalting.

Works at McEacharn and Short streets have recently been completed.

“McEacharn Street is a busy access road for residents in East Bairnsdale, 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. 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,” Ms Weigall said.

The $230,000 project was funded under the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, with the Australian Government contributing $215,000 and Council funding the balance. Work was carried out by Fowlers Asphalting.

East Gippsland Shire Council is building a roundabout to make the Wallace and Goold streets intersection safer.