Artist impressions showing key safety improvements planned for Black Forest Drive between Woodend and Macedon have been released along with information about the final scope of works.
The safety improvements include changing the lane configuration for new dedicated bike lanes, a new painted centre median for new right-turn lanes and pedestrian refuges and road surface resealing.
Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne thanked the Macedon Ranges community for their feedback during the consultation period.
“Following extensive community consultation and the examination of different design options, we’re confident we will deliver safety improvements for everyone who uses Black Forest Drive,” she said.
The dedicated bike lanes will improve safety by separating bikes from other vehicles, and the lanes will make bike riders more visible, thus reducing 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.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said these are great safety improvements.
“The works will deliver important safety improvements for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians using Black Forest Drive,” she said.
The works are designed improve safety for all road users along a 12-kilometre stretch of Black Forest Drive between Quarry Road and Mount Macedon Road.
The safety improvements have been informed by crash history data, road safety guidelines, community feedback and the surrounding environment.
Works on the safety improvements are expected to start in early 2024.
Details: https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/
