Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the project originated from community concerns about the high speeds some drivers drove at through Pomonal.

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The work follows a voting process back in May where community members voted on their preferred traffic treatment option.

Dr Harrison said the first part of the project involved creating a gathering space for student drop off and pick up, landscaping, widening the footpath and installing public art.

"The project aims to strongly demarcate the town, providing greater visual cues to drivers that they are travelling through a town and need to slow down," Dr Harrison said.

"The first section of work at the school will provide as safer environment for the children and parents who use the area, and will go a long way in helping drivers understand the need to slow down in the area.

"The community committee overseeing the project were really happy to see work start last week, and council is excited to see how the new gardens and art work will look."

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The current stage of the project should be finished by late next week, with art work to be installed at a later date.

The project is being funded through Regional Roads Victoria's Towards Safer Speeds Challenge grant program.

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