Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester announced $3.57 million in funding for the region as part of the federal government’s Black Spot Program at a troublesome section of Howitt Street in Black Hill on Thursday.

Major works include $723,000 to install kerb outstands, splitter islands and modify lane widths at the heavily used section of Sturt Street between Doveton and Grenville streets.

More than $661,000 will also be put towards installing wire rope barriers along the sweeping, blind corner on Howitt Street between Sherrard Street and Sim Street.

The upgrade also includes the introduction of raised reflective pavement markers and new light poles.

More than $110,000 will go towards improving heavy vehicle access at the intersection of Western Freeway and Ballarat-Maryborough Road as part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Productivity Program. 

Mr Chester said the funding was allocated regardless of any election outcome.

“This is not contingent on any election result, this is money that was signed off before the caretaker period started,” he said.

”We’re tragically seeing an increase in the road toll this year compared to last year and a disproportionate number of people are dying on rural and regional roads.”

Ballarat City Council deputy mayor Belinda Coates said council’s Traffic Management Team had worked to identify the sections of road most in need of safety improvements.

“That (injuries and fatalities) brings roads up higher on the list as priorities. That’s really the key way of identifying it,” Cr Coates said.

City of Ballarat general manager (of) city services Terry Demeo said the projects will be completed by the end of the 2016-17 financial year.

“Survey and design will start once the funding advice is formally received from the federal government,” he said.

“Once design concepts are developed the City of Ballarat will consult with stakeholders.”

Other works will include construction of a new roundabout in Miners Rest at the intersection of Kennedys Road, Clarke Street, Midas Road and Raglan Street.

Meanwhile, $457,000 will be spent on upgrades to 1.2 kilometre section of Buninyong-Mt Mercer Road at Durham Lead.