How do we solve a problem like Sturt Street after another smash?

Despite another multi-vehicle smash at the corner of Ascot and Sturt streets on Sunday afternoon, which saw a man in his 70s treated at the scene, VicRoads still has no solution to the problems after the state government knocked back its  plans in February.

The state government wants VicRoads to undertake more design work and wider community consultation to the plans which, if accepted, would have seen the removal of crossover intersections at Lyon, Errard, Windemere and Talbot streets and build a median strip bike lane.

VicRoads acting regional director western region Mal Kersting said VicRoads was still keen to invest the $9.3 million of state government funding, announced in November last year, to the city’s bike network, but any permanent solution to Sturt Street was a long way off. 

“We are exploring a number of options and no plans will be finalised until we come up with an outcome which not only improves road safety but also meets the expectations of the community,” Mr Kersting said.

“We will continue to work closely with council to focus on delivering other elements of the project outside of Sturt Street in coming months.”

In the five years up to June last year, there we 76 injury crashes on Sturt Street between Grenville and Pleasant streets, with 43 occurring at the six Sturt Street intersections without traffic lights.

City of Ballarat active transport working group chair Cr Belinda Coates said a solution was needed fast.

“The proposals that were given were actually intended to reduce the risk, but that work is now back in the hands of VicRoads,” Cr Coates said.

“The thing that astonished me with the backlash on the initial proposal was how people were minimising the personal injuries. I believe the issues did get confused with misinformation about road safety improvements versus cycling improvements. 

“It became highly politicised but that was the direction the government has taken, yet people are still getting injured.”