AN INTERSECTION in Ararat Rural City will become safer with preliminary works starting to pave the way for a new slip lane on the Western Highway.
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Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the Heath Street intersection was particularly busy due to its intersection with the Western Highway traffic approaching Ararat.
"The intersection is being strengthened and widened, making it safer for regular road users to enter access Heath Street from the highway safely. It also improves visibility and safety for train drivers, with cars no longer running the gauntlet to get off the highway and over the rail crossing," he said.
"Upgrades to the intersection include a new right turn lane and a better rail crossing to improve safety and visibility of the road for motorists.
"As we see housing construction get underway on the Ararat East Development Area more road users will rely on Heath Street and we need them to do that safely."
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The $800,000 upgrade has been jointly funded through the State Government's Regional Infrastructure program and Ararat Rural City Council, as part of the wider Ararat East Development Zone project.
"This is yet another example of Council's commitment to roll out infrastructure that attracts investment, supports local jobs, and improves services," Dr Harrison added.
"From this week, civil works will start to prepare a section of Heath Street and the Western Highway for reconstruction, including installing traffic road signs, trimming down trees and clearing the site.
"Motorists who ordinarily use Heath Street should allow extra time with a detour in place via McLellan Street as access to the Western Highway via Heath Street will be closed during this period.
"Council recognises the importance of these upgrades for our community, in both enhancing the connectivity on the eastern side of Ararat and improving the safety of our community.
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"The investment will provide safer access for motorists travelling towards the Green Hill Lake Estate and Aradale for their popular Ghost Tours."
The project is being undertaken by Millers Civil Contractors Pvt Ltd and is anticipated to be completed by May 2021.
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