Road safety projects fast-tracked under Road Safety Program

Road safety projects across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland are receiving millions of dollars in funding from the Federal and State Governments under the third tranche of the $3 billion Road Safety Program, a Federal Government program aiming to reduce road trauma.

Projects are identified in partnership with state and territory governments. The Australian Government contributes 80 per cent towards projects in regional areas with the state or territory government making up the remaining 2 per cent. In urban areas, the funding of projects is a 50-50 split between the Australian Government and the relevant state or territory government.

Funding is offered on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis in three six-month tranches.

Road safety projects to receive funding under tranche three of the Road Safety Program were announced earlier this week.

In Victoria, the funding will support a further 54 road safety projects across the state, including 30 projects in metropolitan Melbourne to make intersections safer and a further 24 projects in regional Victoria.

The package includes $89.78 million for regional projects, including $18.89 million to install continuous safety barriers and road widening along the Midland Highway between Cosgrove South and Benalla; and $5.85 million to install targeted safety barriers and sealing shoulder at key locations along Maffra Road between Heyfield and Maffra.

The $157.57 million funding boost will see the Australian Government contributing $112.46 million and the Victorian Government providing $45.11 million to fast-track shovel-ready projects that can get underway quickly.

In New South Wales, $78.6 million in funding will support a further 191 road safety projects across the state, with a strong focus on rural and regional roads.

Projects will include upgrades to highways and arterial roads by sealing shoulders and installing rumble strips, as well as improving physical barriers and medians to prevent crashes.

These projects will create around 580 jobs and new opportunities for businesses and suppliers, delivering an important economic boost and helping drive NSW’s economic recovery.

The upgrades are jointly funded under the Road Safety Program, with the Australian Government contributing $61.7 million and the NSW Government providing $16.9 million.

In South Australia, the funding will support a further 16 road safety projects across the state, with a focus on rural and regional roads.

These include safety treatments along the Eyre Highway between Ceduna to Head of Bight; upgrades to priority sections of the Stuart Highway from North of Coober Pedy; and works along the Barrier Highway from Burra to Cockburn.

Projects include delivering safety barriers, surface treatment, audio tactile line marking on edge and centre lines, shoulder sealing, lane widening, and pavement treatments – which will help reduce the occurrence of crashes, particularly run-off-road crashes.

These projects will create 200 jobs and new opportunities for businesses and suppliers, delivering an important economic boost and helping drive South Australia’s economic recovery.

The upgrades are jointly funded through a $52.69 million funding boost, with the Australian Government contributing $42.15 million and the South Australian Government providing $10.54 million.

In Tasmania, a total of $13.38 million funding will support a further 11 road safety projects across the state’s road network, including:

$6.74 million for shoulder sealing and widening of the Tasman Highway from Esk Main Road to Dianas Basin;
$1 million to deliver a channelised right-turn lane on the Midland Highway at High Street; and
$783,967 to install a new off ramp to Westbury Road from the Bass Highway.

The upgrades are jointly funded under the Road Safety Program, with the Australian Government contributing $10.7 million and the Tasmanian Government providing $2.68 million.

Projects will deliver road safety treatments including turning lanes, junction realignments, shoulder sealing and road widening.

These projects will create 60 new jobs and new opportunities for businesses and suppliers, delivering an important economic boost and helping drive Tasmania’s economic recovery.

In Queensland, a $209.36 million funding boost from the Australian and Queensland governments will support 46 road safety projects across the state.

These include $19 million for regional works such as the Elizabeth Avenue Intersection and Pedestrian upgrade at Clontarf to construct a pedestrian overpass and other intersection works; and $10.6 million to seal sections of gravel road to reduce the risk of crashes at Monto – Mt Perry Road.

The upgrades are jointly funded under the Road Safety Program, with the Australian Government contributing $158.55 million and the Queensland Government providing $50.81 million.

The package includes upgrades to roads and roadsides to create safer driving environments, as well as safety improvements for vulnerable road users, including bike riders, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.

These projects will create 1,000 jobs and new opportunities for businesses and suppliers, delivering an important economic boost and helping drive Queensland’s economic recovery.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the road upgrades would help keep motorists safe and the economy strong.

“One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why we are delivering this funding to improve roads right across the nation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“We are investing in shovel-ready projects that can get underway quickly, saving lives sooner while supporting local construction jobs, businesses and the economy.”

Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the new projects are expected to be delivered later this year.

“Fast-tracking road safety upgrades means that commuters, truck drivers and freight operators will be enjoying smoother, safer more efficient journeys into the future,” Mr Buchholz said.

“Delivering these upgrades as soon as possible is crucial to protecting motorists while also boosting our economy on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

For more information on the Australian Government’s $3 billion Road Safety Program and other road safety initiatives, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au/programs/infrastructure-programs.

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