THE Labuan Road-Murray Valley Highway intersection in Strathmerton will receive $2.16M from the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program for safety upgrades, 12 months after a tragic accident claimed five lives.
The funding will be used to remove the hump on Labuan Road, upgrade lighting, install lighted speed signs and add new rumble strips. State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell, who has campaigned for these improvements since the 2023 fatality, criticised the State Government for delays.
Ms Lovell expressed relief that funding has been secured, highlighting local reports of near-misses at the intersection. She urged the Minister for Roads to direct Regional Roads Victoria to start the federally funded upgrades immediately.
“Now that the Federal Government has stepped up and supplied funds for the crucial upgrades to this dangerous intersection, I call on the Minister for Roads to instruct Regional Roads Victoria to immediately commence work on these federally funded safety improvements,” Ms Lovell said.
The Black Spot Program aims to reduce crashes by funding safety measures like traffic signals and roundabouts at high-risk locations. The Australian Government allocates $110M annually to this program, increasing to $150M per year starting July 1, 2024.
Kialla Lakes Drive on the Goulburn Valley Hwy (GV Hwy) will receive $226,000 under the Program, Doyles Road/Poplar Avenue will receive $736,000, and a further $870,000 on the GV Hwy/Labuan Road intersection will fund additional safety upgrades, including consideration of a 60km/h speed reduction.
