57 dangerous crash sites across Victoria will soon become safer after the state secured $25.6 million of Black Spot Program funding.

The program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred or are at risk of occurring.

One of the locations that will be upgraded under the Black Spot Program is the intersection of King Street and Hawke Street in West Melbourne, where $762,000 is being provided to upgrade traffic-control signs and lighting. Between 2016 and 2021, the intersection was the scene of 11 serious crashes, 18 casualty crashes, and, sadly, one fatality.

Black Spot Consultative Panels provide the opportunity for stakeholders to have a say in the project selection process and ensure that nominations of the highest priority and importance to the local community are recommended for approval.

The Victorian review panel includes representatives from the Municipal Association of Victoria, Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, Victorian Transport Association, Victorian Police Service, Road Safety Victoria, Traffic Management Association of Australia, and the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.  

For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots.

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart:

“This upgrade will be welcome news for the local community.

“If there’s an unsafe intersection or length of road on your commute, I encourage community members elsewhere to visit infrastructure.gov.au for details on how to submit a nomination for review.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown:

“The crucial King and Hawke Street intersection upgrade is one of the latest 57 Black Spot projects we have announced across Victoria.

“We are continuing to provide $110 million per year under the Black Spot Program to work with state, territory and local governments to improve road safety across Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne MP:

“We welcome the Australian Government’s investment in fixing this dangerous intersection, making sure this site is safer for all road users.

“The Black Spot Program strongly aligns with Victoria’s road safety strategy and will help us achieve our goal of zero lives lost on Victorian roads by 2050.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jess Walsh:

“This and the other 56 new projects recently announced across Victoria will improve safety, benefit our communities and reduce road trauma.

 “The Australian Government is committed to keeping Victorians safe on our roads.”