Works to improve a deadly 11-kilometre stretch of road in Toolern Vale will begin within weeks.
Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road has been the scene of more than 20 crashes and three fatalities in the past five years, including a collision that killed a 14-year-old boy three years ago.
The $3.5 million project, including safety barriers and sealing works, will improve the stretch between Vineyard Road in Diggers Rest and Djerriwarrh Creek, Toolern Vale.
Melton highway patrol’s Leading Senior Constable Allan Edwards said most collisions on the stretch were the result of a high volume of traffic caused by Melton city’s rapid population increase.
“If safety barriers had been installed between Toolern Vale and Ryans Lane, that young bloke would probably be alive now,” Leading Senior Constable Edwards said.
“Anything to stop run-offs is a big improvement.”
Western Victoria Liberal MP Simon Ramsay said the upgrade also included removal of roadside hazards.
“Additional signage will also be installed at bends and curves to alert drivers to the curvaceous nature of the road,” he said.
Mr Ramsay said the project, expected to start in the next few weeks, was due to be completed by mid-November.
Diggers Rest resident David O’Connor said he hoped the works would bring the road up to standard. “It’s most welcome, especially given the level of development proposed for Diggers Rest, which includes 23 hectares of industrial land along this roadway,” he said.
Fellow resident Charlie Watson said the existing road was rough and wavy.
“I really recommend the work on the shoulders, but I think they should make sure they use stronger material,” he said.
“The road gets rougher every time I go down to Bacchus Marsh.”
