Suite of Gisborne road proposals to improve safety for pedestrians

Suite of Gisborne road proposals to improve safety for pedestrians

Last updated on 01 April 2025

Feedback is invited on proposals that will improve two busy intersections in Gisborne, while also lowering speed limits across the town’s core business and activity area.

These projects and others are being designed through consultation with relevant authorities, with Council seeking community feedback where appropriate. Currently feedback is sought to help shape the final designs for the following:

Hamilton and Aitken streets - Roundabout reconfiguration: The scene of a serious accident between a vehicle and pedestrian as recently as 2022, this location will benefit from the construction of raised pedestrian crossings (wombat crossings) on the southern leg (Aitken Street), and the eastern and western legs (Hamilton Street); modifications to the service road entry and exit points; and broad aesthetic and functional improvements to the area, with landscaping and street furniture. Hamilton and Brantome streets - New compact roundabout: Compact roundabouts feature a smaller central mountable island when compared to traditional roundabouts, allowing for a more space-efficient design and allowing larger vehicles to navigate the intersection more safely. This project also includes three raised pedestrian crossings (wombat crossings) and a speed cushion. Proposed speed limit reductions around Gisborne's core business and activity area: Through extensive data collection regarding existing traffic volumes and vehicle speeds within the proposed project area, Council has evaluated the positive impacts of reducing the speed limit from the current 50km/h to 40km/h on Council-managed roads. This is complemented by the relevant Victorian Government department supporting a reduction of the operating speed on its state-managed roads from 60km/h to 50km/h.

These proposals are among a suite of pedestrian and road safety improvements targeted at key locations across the shire, especially at crossing points where drivers and pedestrians often interact.

Director Assets and Operations Dom Testoni encouraged feedback, saying: “Whether you live in Gisborne or commute regularly to or through the town, we encourage you to have a look at the three proposals currently open for consultation and tell us what you think, and also to follow the Your Say page for updates on these and other similar projects as they are added.”

“Ensuring safety is a shared responsibility and these improvements are designed with improved pedestrian safety in mind, however the public also needs to make responsible choices while using our roads and footpaths.”

These improvements are funded by grants and align with Council’s Mobility and Road Safety Strategy - which follows the internationally recognised Safe System approach - and with other local plans where relevant.

Feedback is invited from now to Sunday 20 April 2025. Visit yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/pedestrian-and-road-safety-improvements to find out more about these projects and have your say online, or call (03) 5422 0333 and ask to speak to the Engineering team if you require further assistance.