A new design for Sunbury’s notorious Gap Road and Horne Street intersection is on the drawing board as the latest round of roads funding is handed out.
The intersection has long been the bane of existence for nearly 40,000 motorists who pass there daily, a meeting point for thousands of drivers converging from Riddell Road, Sunbury Road and the Calder Freeway.
A railway level crossing nearby on Station Street, about 150 metres east of the intersection, causes long traffic queues and delays there, particularly during morning and afternoon peaks.
The $6.4 million upgrade will remove the existing roundabout and install traffic lights. New lanes and dedicated turning lanes will be added, as will pedestrian operated crossings and bicycle lanes.
Raised platforms will also be installed on all approaches from Gap Road and Horne Street, which will slow traffic down as it enters the intersection.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull said the upgrades aim to reduce congestion and boost pedestrian and cyclist safety.
“There are few things more frustrating to drivers than being stuck in traffic, and that’s why we’re working to fix this intersection,” Mr Bull said. “This upgrade will improve traffic flow and make it safer and easier for people.”
The upgrade is due to be completed late 2018.
Meanwhile, the state government will spend $200,000 replacing static signs outside Mount Macedon Primary School with four new electronic flashing speed warnings.
These are due to be operational by term two this year.
The new signs will remind drivers of the 40km/h speed limit during school drop-off times, and will be more visible during poor weather and fog.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said driver visibility on the stretch of Mt Macedon Road outside the primary school was often poor in bad weather.
Works are set to begin between April and May this year.
