A host of Sturt Street’s most dangerous intersections are set to undergo a transformation as part of the state government’s $9.3 million CBD cycling infrastructure upgrade.
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Among the changes drafted in VicRoads’ preliminary designs are the removal of intersections at Lyons, Errard, Windemere and Talbot streets.
Alterations to intersections at Raglan and Ascot streets would allow drivers to perform a u-turn but not travel straight across Sturt Street.
The proposed changes are being driven by alarming crash statistics which highlight the intersections as among the most dangerous places on the road in the Ballarat CBD.
Half of the 76 crashes which occurred between Grenville and Pleasant streets in the five years to mid-2017 occurred at intersections without traffic lights.
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VicRoads western Victoria acting regional director Mal Kersting said VicRoads was in the process of notifying nearby residents of the proposed changes.
“We are aware that some intersections along Sturt Street have a very poor crash record and these changes will help to address that, while helping to connect the missing links in the city's bicycle corridor,” Mr Kersting said of the proposed changes.
Meanwhile Drummond Street is also expected to be overhauled in an effort to improve pedestrian access to Ballarat Health Services.
A tree-lined median strip is expected to be installed from Sturt Street through to Webster Street, while zebra crossings will be built out the front of the Ballarat Base and St John of God hospitals alongside improved bike lanes.
Check out VicRoads’ full interactive map here.