New speed zones in residential areas to boost pedestrian safety
Published on 25 October 2018
Mildura Rural City Council will next month start the latest phase in a multimillion dollar program of road safety works to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in Mildura.
Council announced the $3 million suite of projects earlier this year, which includes $2.1 million in Victorian Government funding from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) as part of the Safe System Road Infrastructure Program (SSRIP).
The works include:
- a roundabout at the intersection of Ontario Avenue and Twelfth Street (already completed)
- a roundabout at the intersection of Ontario Avenue and Thirteenth Street
- five zebra crossings at key points in Ontario Avenue and Thirteenth Street in the medical precinct
- timed 40km/h speed zones in Ontario Avenue and Thirteenth Street
- 40km/h speed zones in 19 residential areas.
Councillor for Community Safety Simon Clemence said the initiative features a combination of proactive steps to significantly reduce incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, as well as responses to incident hotspots identified by the community.
Cr Clemence said the latest step would be the introduction of 40km/h speed zones and intersection treatments in the first of 19 built-up residential areas.
The works will focus on the subdivisions between Fifteenth and Sixteenth Streets and Deakin and San Mateo Avenues. The speed limits on Mildura’s main roads won’t change.
“There has been a lot of research on the impact reducing speed can have on pedestrian safety,” Cr Clemence said.
“In the case of what we’re proposing – a reduction from 50km/h to 40km/h – it’s been proven to reduce serious crashes significantly.
“When you consider that a lot of streets affected by the new zoning are frequently used by people out walking, as well as home to elderly residents and families with young children, this certainly has the potential to improve safety for thousands of people.”
Cr Clemence said the new speed zones would come into effect in December, with works starting next month.
As part of the works, new signage will be erected clearly indicating the new speed zones. Raised safety platforms and pedestrian islands will also be installed at key intersections to help slow down traffic and therefore improve safety conditions for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the intersections.
The remaining 18 residential areas, broadly bounded by Seventh and Sixteenth Streets and Benetook and Flora Avenues, will be rezoned to 40km/h and have similar intersection treatments installed over the coming 12 months.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au