Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay councils are two of 40 Victorian councils which will share in more than $2 million worth of grants to improve road safety for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
The grants have been announced under the annual Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program.
Maribyrnong council will receive $99,460 for pedestrian safety improvements at Market Place in Braybrook.
Maribyrnong council chief Executive Celia Haddock said council welcomed the funding.
“Market Place, Braybrook, was chosen following an independent road safety audit, which identified a need for a raised pedestrian crossing at the Duke Street and Market Place intersection due its proximity to Braybrook College on Ballarat Road.
“Market Place is a high activity area with strip shops, a restaurant and pedestrian access to the Braybrook Hotel.”
Ms Haddock said the intersection at Duke Street is a major crossing point for vulnerable road users.
“Students who walk or cycle to school, hotel and retail patrons and public transport users,” she said.
“As with any grant funding, council must meet a number of criteria to be eligible for submission to these grants.
“Roads/areas around the municipality are chosen based on this criteria.”
Hobsons Bay council received two grants, $99,625 to upgrade the crossing at Bayview Street at Williamstown High School and $30,000 for the local street 40km speed limit staging plan.
A Hobsons Bay council spokesperson said council is pleased its grant applications were successful.
“We have liaised with stakeholders during the development of the Williamstown High School project, including the school,” the spokesperson said.
“The $30,000 grant from TAC will develop a strategy for safer speed limits across Hobsons Bay, which will include areas that could be implemented annually and the budget requirements to complete these changes.
“This plan would apply 40 km/h limits on local streets and high pedestrian zones, 50 km/h on through-traffic streets, and 30 km/h in activity centres.
“Arterial roads under Department of Transport and Planning control won’t change, both projects will go through a community consultation process before being implemented.”
