New protective roadside barriers and line markings, better signage and smoother surfaces are among upgrades due to make roads safer for motorcycle riders in the Macedon Ranges.
About $1 million will be spent on the upgrades, funded by the Transport Accident Commission’s motorcycle safety levy program, along the Lancefield-Woodend Road, Mount Macedon Road and Mount Macedon-Hanging Rock Road, where accident rates are high.
Figures show that 27 people have been seriously injured on these roads and there have been two fatalities since January 2011.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, who made the funding announcement last week, said the upgrades aim to keep motorcyclists and other road users safe from run-off the road accidents as well as head-on collisions.
“The Macedon Ranges are one of Victoria’s most popular motorcycle riding and touring areas, and these works will ensure locals and visitors can ride more safely,” Ms Thomas said.
“We know motorcyclists are over-represented in serious and fatal crashes, which is why we’re identifying the routes riders use and improving them.”
The safety measures will include improvements to a number of intersecting driveways and roads along the nominated routes. These will be resealed to prevent gravel spilling onto main roads and causing hazards.
Rub rail protective safety barriers will be installed along roadside verges to further reduce risks to motorcyclists, if they lose control.
Macedon Ranges highway patrol unit’s Senior Constable Jamie Jordan said while the upgrades will help make roads safer, drivers and riders alike need to be vigilant.
“We welcome anything that will help to improve the quality of our roads, but we would still urge road users to monitor their fatigue when on the road and look out for wildlife, for the safety of everyone.”
