WORK began this week on fixing up one of Bendigo’s most dangerous intersections.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan was on hand on Wednesday to officially begin the remodelling of the Barnard Street and Ironbark Road intersection.
The new crossing will see the continuity of four lanes of traffic over the whole length of Barnard Street and traffic lights installed to manage the flow.
Ms Allan said the 460-metre project was worth $1.7 million and was the final stage of the $10 million Bendigo Box duplication project.
“The works will vastly improve traffic flow at the Ironbark Road intersection and improve safety for motorists accessing nearby residential streets,” she said.
Ms Allan said the final stage of the Bendigo Box project would be completed mid 2008.
“Stage one of the box project involved the duplication of Wills, Myrtle and Don Streets and was completed in 2006,” she said.
“The second stage of the project, which included duplication of Barnard Street between View Street and Park Road, was opened in
October, 2007.”
Ms Allan said the project was not just about roads.
“A key part of the overall project is the provision of new bicycle lanes and pedestrian facilities to maximise safety for all road users,” she said.
“Car parking, bus stops and landscaping treatments have also been integrated into the works.
“The Bendigo Box project will ease pressure on the roads in the inner city area by allowing traffic to move around the perimeter of the city centre, rather than through it.
‘It is great to see the final stage of this important infrastructure project commencing.
“Bendigo is a thriving city and this project is an investment in the city’s future.”