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This article was published on Wednesday, 22 February, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Highway safety upgrade good news for region’s drivers

The State government will deliver a safety upgrade along 37 kilometres of the Midland Highway between Shepparton and Stanhope one of Victoria’s most dangerous roads with many of the improvements in the Greater Shepparton municipality. The works commence on Monday 27 February.

The $22.5 million upgrade will help prevent head-on, run-off road and intersection crashes through a number of targeted improvements.

Flexible safety barriers will be installed down the centre-line of sections of the highway and on the left hand side of the road, with a new roundabout to be constructed at the Tatura-Undera Road intersection.

Six overtaking lanes will be added (three in each direction) as well as new traffic signals to improve access into Kids Town, Mooroopna and existing signals will be linked in Mooroopna.

The road will also be widened between Turnbull Road, Mooroopna and Johnson Road, Stanhope, and rumble strips will be added along 29 kilometres of the road.

Cr Adem said the improvements are welcomed by the Council. “I’m very pleased to hear of this funding announcement today,” said Cr Adem.

“We have an extensive road network in Greater Shepparton with many of our roads in rural areas. To have a main arterial road receiving major upgrades to improve safety of our residents and visitors is significant and hopefully will assist in reducing the number of accidents on the Highway,” he said.

This section of the Midland Highway has been identified as one of Victoria’s top 20 highest risk rural roads in the Towards Zero 2016-2020 Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan.

Since 2010 there have been 79 recorded crashes along this stretch of road, three lives have been lost, including one only two weeks ago and 126 people have suffered injuries.

“There have been a number of tragic accidents along the Midland Highway and that’s why Labor is investing in innovative ways to make country roads safer,” Ms Symes said.

“The installation of barriers down the centre and along the side of the Midland Highway will help prevent head-on crashes and reduce the severity of the impact on motorists.

“This will stop vehicles crossing into oncoming traffic or drifting to the side, providing added protection for motorists from death or serious injury if a mistake is made.”

VicRoads will continue to work with land owners and emergency services to ensure properties and sections of the highway are safely accessible.

More information https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/planning-and-projects/regional-road-projects/midland-highway-stanhope-to-shepparton