The Australian Government has announced A$39.1m ($28m) in funding for 138 black spot projects across Victoria as part of its aim to build safer roads through the national Black Spot Programme.
The funding is part of the Australian Government’s A$500m ($363m) commitment to the Black Spot Programme in the 2014 Budget.
The budget also included an additional A$200m ($145m) to fast-track investment in world-class infrastructure across the country.
Assistant minister for infrastructure and regional development Jamie Briggs said: “As a result of the Australian Government’s additional investments, an extra 84 projects will be funded in Victoria over 2015-16, meaning even safer roads, improved travel times for motorists and more local jobs.
“These extra projects are expected to save an additional ten lives and prevent 512 injury crashes over ten years and deliver economic dividends of around A$169m ($122m).”
The Black Spot projects are expected to deliver safer roads for Victoria.
Member for Wannon and Victorian Black Spot consultative panel chair Dan Tehan: “Black Spot projects target dangerous roads to save lives and reduce road trauma, ensuring Australia’s roads are made safer and more productive for all road users.”
“An evaluation of the Black Spot Programme has found that fatal and casualty crashes are reduced at treated sites by 30%, equalling one life per year for every 84 projects.
“Projects also return almost $7 for every $1 invested by reducing the number and cost of crashes.”
The Victorian panel which reviews priorities for the Black Spot Programme includes representatives of the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, Victorian Transport Association, Victoria Police, and state and local government.
The Australian Government has expanded the eligibility criteria for project applications in 2015-16 and 2016-17 to ensure local communities have greater access to the A$200m ($145m) in additional funding for road safety upgrades.
