Council Gives Green Light to Safe Local Roads and Streets Program

A new road safety infrastructure program set to improve road safety across the municipality was approved by Council at the 30 July Council Meeting. 

The Safe Local Roads and Streets Program (SLRSP) is a collaborative project between the Victorian State Government’s Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). The $200 million program aims to support Victorian councils by allocating funding to plan and implement safe system infrastructure improvements across local road networks.

The program matches local councils with consulting partners to support the scope and develop the design of vital road safety projects. Ararat Rural City Council has commenced work with consulting partner SMEC to develop a suite of projects that address key areas of local road safety concern, as well as comply with any program constraints.

Initial designs for the projects to be funded under the program are due to be finalised by November 2024, with all projects scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2026.

Local roads identified for infrastructure and safety enhancement upgrades include:

Construction of a raised roundabout at Queen Street / Moore Street, Ararat; Intersection safety improvements at View Point Street / High Street, Ararat;Construction of a raised intersection at Vincent Street / Alexandra Avenue, Ararat;Realignment of intersections and introduction of 60km/h speed zone in Warrak; and Raised pedestrian crossings at Moore Street, Princes Street, Ingor Street and King Street in Ararat.

"Keeping our roads safe is essential for building a safer community," says Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison. "We're focused on improving our roads and implementing these preventative measures to create safer and more efficient infrastructure for all road users."