The State Government on Thursday released the new options for long overdue upgrades to six dangerous intersections which have seen 85 crashes and more than 130 injuries from those incidents in the past 10 years.

But a conspicuous absentee from the plan is anything about possible future cycling routes, with a new “public reference group” to be established aimed at finding the best cycling and pedestrian path opportunities throughout Ballarat.

The three new options include median extensions which would cut off north-south access, new traffic lights on busy intersections such as Ascot Street and Lyons Street and a double U-turns option which would also cut off through traffic from north to south, but allow access for vehicles travelling east-west.

It is expected a combination of all three could be used dependent on feedback received.

Releasing the plans, Road Minister Jaala Pulford said it was time for something to be done on the notorious street,

“Something needs to be done to address the safety drivers, cyclists and pedestrians along Sturt Street and we’re making sure that the whole community can be involved in discussions around how we achieve that goal,” Ms Pulford said. 

“Delivering projects like the upgrades to Sturt Street and Mair Street will make sure Ballarat gets the safe and reliable road network that our city needs.”

Community sessions will be held later this month, giving people the chance to ask questions and view the concept designs for each intersection.

The options have been compiled between Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) and Sturt Street traders.

Ms Pulford confirmed the public reference group looking into cycling options will include representatives from Regional Roads Victoria, City of Ballarat, the Ballarat Heritage Advisory Group, the Ballarat Bicycle Users Group and the Sturt Street Traders’ Group.

She said the group will meet in February to consider a range of options for the location for any proposed path and once an appropriate option is identified, draft plans will be made available for public comment.

In February last year Premier Daniel Andrews said initial planned changes to the median gardens and six cross streets would not proceed.  

“They are off the table,” he said. “That’s what listening and then getting on and doing what the community and businesses need, that’s what that’s all about.”

“There’s not the whole thing back to the drawing board, but there are some elements of it.”

Former Roads Minister Luke Donnellan told The Courier last year support for improvements from across the community was critical for any improvements to go ahead.

“It’s no use actually upgrading safety if you don’t get the support from the community,” he said. “I know people don’t like change, but we need to recognise we need safety for pedestrians, drivers and bike riders. We need to do further work to find solutions which suits all three.”

The plans will be available for consultation later in the month and can viewed from today on the Premier’s website.

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