The intersection of Albert Street and the Midland Highway, where the fatal accident which killed five people in November 2023 occurred, will be closed. Albert Street will terminate in a cul de sac and the area of current intersection will be turned into public open space.
In announcing the closure, Catherine King, the Federal Member for Ballarat said ““This upgrade will make the centre of Daylesford safer for locals and for the many visitors we welcome to this wonderful town, as well as creating more green space for the community to enjoy. “
Hepburn Shire Council will receive $1,064,700 from the Federal Government’s Black Spot program for the project. Council has been lobbying for funds to improve the safety of the intersection since 2023.
After carefully considering community feedback as well as expert advice, Council made the decision to apply for funding that would see Albert Street closed to through traffic, creating a court bowl and formalising parking to service adjacent businesses.
Mayor, Councillor Tony Clark, said that this is a great outcome for the Hepburn Shire and will greatly benefit the community.
““This will enhance safety, provide easier access to the trading area, and deliver more open space for everyone. It aligns with Council’s strategic goals in Future Hepburn, and now, with funding secured, we will move to progress detailed design and prepare to tender construction and will keep working closely with residents and businesses throughout the process,” he said.
Council will continue to engage with the community and nearby businesses to achieve outcomes that support economic growth and expand shared local spaces, including through Participate Hepburn.website.
The Albert Street – Midland Highway intersection at Howe Street is part of an area that is notoriously dangerous for pedestrians and through traffic, particularly with heavy vehicles coming into town on the down hill bend on Howe Street..
Despite speed limit reductions, the combination of the bend at Jamieson Street, the complicated three way intersection of Jamieson, Howe and Raglan Streets, the immediately adjacent Camp Street exit and the road narrowing with a pedestrian island across from the Blakes grocery store, makes this a continuing high risk area for accidents.
