Major construction to build a two-lane roundabout at Shepparton East has been completed.
The roundabout at the Midland Hwy and Central Ave intersection aims to boost safety for motorists, including heavy vehicles travelling between Shepparton, Benalla and Wangaratta.
The $17 million project was jointly funded, with the Federal Government contributing $10 million under the Road Safety Program, and the Victorian Government contributing $7 million.
The new roundabout also aims to ensure the intersection is more visible, and provides drivers with safer turning options to support traffic flow in all directions.
Temporary lighting and a speed reduction will remain in place until permanent lighting is switched on in the coming months.
State Ports and Freight, Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said the new roundabout was “enhancing safety for everyone”, with a mix of heavy and light vehicles sharing the section of the Midland Hwy.
State Member for Northern Victorian Jaclyn Symes said the structure of the roundabout had been reinforced to “ensure strength and durability”, and to “facilitate heavy vehicle movements, including super loads”.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm said the major intersection upgrade was “already boosting safety for thousands of Victorian drivers every day”.
A diverse mix of Australian plants and shrubs have been planted in the middle of the roundabout as part of the University of Melbourne’s Woody Meadow Project.
The project supports landscaping works that promote flowering and create dense canopies to exclude weeds and encourage biodiversity while reducing maintenance costs.
For more information about the roundabout project head to https://tinyurl.com/ypwaef38