Works to deliver key safety improvements on Black Forest Drive between Woodend and Macedon will begin in late February, and are expected to be completed later this year, weather permitting.
The improvements include changing the lane configuration for new dedicated bike lanes, a new painted centre median for new right-turn lanes and pedestrian refuges, rumble strips and road surface resealing.
These works follow the road’s deadly history between Woodend and Macedon, recording 35 crashes resulting in serious injury and five fatalities since 2001.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said they are listening to the community.
“The community told us this section of road was dangerous, we’ve listened and now we’re getting on with delivering works to make it safer,” she said.
The government said the dedicated bike lanes will improve safety by separating bikes from other vehicles and making bike riders more visible to other road users.
Rumble strips which create an audible sound and vibration to warn drivers when they veer out of their lane will also be installed between the new lanes to reduce the chance of collisions occurring.
New right-hand turn lanes for accessing side roads will be added at 13 locations in the new centre median to provide safer turning for all road users and reduce the risk of nose-to-tail collisions.
The new centre median can also be used by all road users to safely turn into properties without needing to stop in a traffic lane.
Pedestrian islands will be built at key locations to boost safety, especially for school children using bus stops.
The works are designed to improve safety for all road users along a 12-kilometre stretch of Black Forest Drive between Quarry Road and Mount Macedon Road.
The government said safety improvements have been informed by crash history data, road safety guidelines, community feedback and the surrounding environment.
Work will be completed in sections along Black Forest Drive to minimise impact to traffic, but there will be some disruptions while works are taking place with reduced speeds and delays expected of up to 10 minutes.
