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Western Freeway safety package complete

The Victorian Government’s Western Freeway safety package is now complete, following the installation of a 230 kilometre flexible safety barrier.

Roads Minister Jaala Pulford said existing safety barriers on the Western Freeway were hit 236 times in 2018.

“This road was listed as one of the state’s most dangerous, between 2013 and 2018 there were 28 fatalities, and 207 serious injuries on this stretch of road,” Ms. Pulford said.

“The improvements will significantly improve safety along the Western Freeway and reduce the risk and severity of head-on and run-off-road crashes.”

Upgrades also include additional turning points for emergency services and access breaks at 500 metre to one kilometre intervals, that provide space to pull over during breakdowns and emergencies.

“With these major safety upgrades, we’ve made it safer to drive between Ballarat and Melbourne each and every day,” Ms. Pulford said.

“There’s no doubt these newly installed safety barriers will save lives, and I want to thank drivers for their patience as we have rolled them out.”

Ms. Pulford said travel time signage between the Ring Road and Ballarat has also been installed to facilitate informed travel time decision making.

“This information is particularly important during changed driving conditions including crashes,” Ms. Pulford said.


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