Elsie Lange
Last year, the community was invited to provide feedback on proposed safety improvements at Black Forest Drive to inform the design of the road upgrade – now that feedback is being implemented.
Regional Roads Victoria is using the feedback to plot the road between Woodend and Macedon, with draft designs to be released for further community feedback in late 2022.
Works expected to begin in 2023.
In a statement, the government said the changes will enhance safety while “maintaining the current configuration”.
“Proposed improvements currently being considered include installing pedestrian islands, upgrading intersections to provide safer access turning into and out of Black Forest Drive, road surface improvements, sealing entrances to key side roads and some driveway entrances and line marking,” the government said.
“Regional Roads Victoria explore opportunities to install more signs that alert drivers to cyclists along the road and sealing the entrances to priority side roads and some driveways to provide smoother journeys for all road users.”
The government announced the $6 million investment to improve the road in its 2021-22 state budget.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the government had listened to local concerns and would revise the drive to meet the needs of the community.
“We’ll continue to work closely with the community to improve roads in the Macedon area to increase safety for locals and visitors,” Ms Thomas said.
