A major upgrade for a troubled section of the Western Freeway has hit the planning stages, but no dates have been given for when construction work will begin.
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The west-bound lanes of the Western Freeway at Pykes Creek were targeted for safety upgrades by the state and federal government last year, with $5 million allocated to "(smooth) a series of tight curves, making it more suitable for the 110km/h speed limit", according to a Regional Roads Victoria statement last year.
The section of road, at the top of a hill, is seen as dangerous by many drivers - even with a lane for slower and heavy vehicles, the tight, almost blind curves can result in collisions.
About 20,000 vehicles use the road every day.
When works are complete, the 90km/h speed advisory signs are expected to be removed, with road widening and flexible roadside safety barriers works included.
Regional Roads Victoria noted last year there had been 11 casualty crashes at that section of the freeway between July 2014 and June 2019, including one death and nine people receiving serious injuries.
At the time, it was noted work is expected to begin in March 2021.
In response to questions from The Courier, the Department of Transport confirmed planning work was under way, but no timelines were detailed.
"Upgrades to improve this section of the Western Freeway are currently in the planning stage," a department spokesperson said in a statement, and instead pointed to the $10 million flexible safety barrier program between Woodmans Hill and Miners Rest.
"We're already busy building a safer Western Freeway thanks to the installation of life-saving roadside barriers.
"These works will provide a further safety boost for tens of thousands of drivers each day."
Another $82 million of roadside barriers are being installed between Ballarat and Buangor.
The Pykes Creek roadworks are also a concern for Moorabool Shire Council, which so far has not received any updates on the project.
"Council has not been appraised of the scope of works but supports safety improvements at this location and looks forward to receiving an update from (the Department of Transport) in due course," a spokesperson said in a statement.
IN THE NEWS
As well as safety upgrade works on the Western and Midland highways near Ballarat, the state government has also begun work on upgrading several intersections in town.
Work on the Gillies Street and Gregory Street West traffic lights, which will link into the level crossing and Howitt Street lights, began last week.
Traffic lights will also replace roundabouts on Wiltshire Lane at the Glenelg Highway and Latrobe Street intersections, and work is expected to begin mid-year.
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