Safety improvement works are now complete on a section of the busy Black Forest Drive between Woodend and Macedon.
Improvements include continuous bike lanes from Macedon to Woodend and intersection upgrades at key locations.
Other changes include an altered lane configuration to now have one lane in each direction and dedicated cycling lanes in each direction, a painted centre median for vehicle turning lanes and pedestrian refuges, resealing of the road surface, and new line marking.
Audio-tactile line marking was completed on the centre and edge road lines, higher-risk side road entrances were sealed, and new street lighting was installed on a section of the Calder Freeway overpass.
Speed limits on sections of the road have also been changed, including extending the 60 kilometres an hour zone at South Road by about 160 metres, aiming to slow vehicles approaching the new pedestrian crossing and bus stops near the intersection.
Between Willeys Road and south of Nursery Road, the speed limit was also reduced from 80 kilometres an hour to 60, aiming to improve safety as vehicles cross bicycle lanes to enter and exit the Calder Freeway.
Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said that as the drive is used by a wide range of vehicles, these changes mean that “all road users can now share the road more safely.”
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said that she thanks the community for their input on the upgrades and their patience as the works were being completed.
