A formal case is still being developed to reduce speeds along dangerous sections of Gillies Road, as new restrictions are temporarily put in place.
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Speed will be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h along Gillies Road between the Western Highway and Kennedys Road from October 15.
The 80km/h speed limits are expected to be in place until works are completed in mid-2019.
The road has been identified as a serious safety concern for residents along the stretch, with one telling The Courier in May changes need “to be a priority, before someone else dies out there”.
Seven accidents causing injury occurred between Olliers Road and Kennedys Road in the last five years.
Councillors agreed in May to continue advocating for a reduction to the current speed limit to 80km/h on part of Gillies Road.
City of Ballarat’s director of infrastructure and environment Terry Demeo said VicRoads promised construction speed drops would be done “as soon as possible”.
But he said the temporary speed change would lend itself to a long-term bid for a speed reduction between Olliers Road and Kennedys Road.
“Our intention is, during the interim 80 km/h phase we will develop the formal case for the 80km/h permanent solution,” Mr Demeo said.
Average midweek traffic on Gillies Road has increased 37 per cent increase between 2006 and 2017, with 4,704 vehicles per day travelling on the road last year.
As part of a $14.5 million package of construction works to make the Midland Highway safer, 80km/h speed restrictions will also be in place along parts of Kennedys and Olliers roads from next Monday.
VicRoads director of the Safe Systems Road Infrastructure Program Bryan Sherritt said as as traffic diverts down major roadways like Gillies Road to avoid construction, lower speed limits would be introduced.
"We’re putting temporary speed reductions in place on a range of roads around Mount Rowan while we undertake vital road safety upgrades in the area,” he said.
"These reductions are being put in place for the safety of road users, workers and residents while there is increased traffic on these roads."
"The works include the construction of two new roundabouts on the Midland Highway at the Western Freeway interchange and at Kennedys Road, and other road widening and barrier installation works."
