Golden Plains Shire Council has welcomed the news that roads in Mount Mercer and Russells Bridge will be upgraded as part of the Federal Government’s 2020-21 Black Spot Program.
Part of a nationwide program to improve road safety, Golden Plains Shire Council will receive $1.1 million to upgrade 3.5 kilometres of Shelford–Mt Mercer Road in Mount Mercer, and $138,000 to upgrade two kilometres of Russells Bridge Road in Russells Bridge.
The $1.1 million upgrade of Shelford–Mt Mercer Road will see the road shoulder widened and sealed between Grahams Road and Rices Road, alongside the installation of guard fencing, improved delineation, and replacing damaged signs.
In Russells Bridge, the $138,000 upgrade will include works to install new W-beam guard fencing with motorcycle rub rails, improve the delineation, replacement of damaged signs on the road and a reduction of the current speed limit to improve user safety.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey welcomed the funding commitment to upgrade the two roads.
“The recent Black Spot Funding announcement by the Federal Government for safety upgrades in Mount Mercer and Russells Bridge is excellent news for local residents and drivers.
“The Shelford–Mt Mercer Road and Russells Bridge Road have sadly both seen accidents in the past several years, and with this $1.238 million in funding, Council will be able to make these local roads safer for road users.”
Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson announced the Black Spot Program funding for Russells Bridge Road earlier this month.
“The Morrison Liberal Government’s $138,000 investment to improve road safety on Russells Bridge Road is wonderful news and will make a real difference to local residents.
“This is just another example of how we are backing regional communities which is vital at this very challenging time.