The Andrews Labor Government has completed $2.5 million of road safety improvements
on Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Road, which will address a history of run-off road crashes.
There had been nine run-off road crashes between July 2007 and June 2012, resulting in
one fatality and multiple serious injuries on the 22.5km Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Road.
These improvements will address the factors contributing to the run-off road crashes
that have occurred at this location, particularly over the last five years.
The Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Road safety upgrades included the installation of approximately 4.7km of guard rail and 2.5km of wire rope safety barrier, and the widening and sealing of road shoulders.
In high-speed environments, run-off road crashes can be largely prevented by installing barrier systems. Barriers accommodate driver error by absorbing the energy that would otherwise be absorbed in a crash by the vehicle and occupants. VicRoads also conducted an audit of dangerous trees and roadside vegetation and removed those which posed a serious safety risk.
These improvements are part of the Government’s Safe Systems Road Infrastructure
Program, a $1 billion investment that aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Victorian roads by 30 percent. The program is funded through the Transport Accident Commission and delivered by VicRoads.
Quotes Attributable to the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney.
“This is a significant investment in road safety which will address the factors
contributing to the run-off road crashes that have occurred at Winchelsea-Deans
Marsh Road.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to the Safe System approach and measures like these can significantly improve community safety.”