Safer access to schools, health services and community facilities will be delivered through five new raised pedestrian crossings across Horsham, following Council’s endorsement of a major road safety project funded by the Transport Accident Commission.
Fully funded through a $242,000 grant from the TAC’s Safer Local Roads and Streets Program, the project will deliver five raised pedestrian crossings at high-use locations across Horsham, improving safety for school students, families and hospital users.
The program supports councils to deliver infrastructure improvements that reduce road trauma and improve safety for vulnerable road users.
Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said the improvements would make it safer and easier for people to move around some of Horsham’s busiest pedestrian areas.
“These are locations where people are already crossing the road every day to get to school, university, medical appointments and other important destinations,” Cr Klowss said.
“The upgrades will improve visibility and help create a safer environment for everyone using these roads.”
The project includes crossings at Baillie Street and Hillary Street, Baillie Street near Horsham College and Federation University, Hillary Street and Kirwood Street, and Mathoura Street and Kooyong Street, as well as an upgraded crossing near Wimmera Base Hospital.
Council’s decision is supported by research showing raised pedestrian crossings can reduce pedestrian deaths and serious injuries by up to 63 per cent, while also slowing vehicle speeds by an estimated 5 to 8km/h in high-pedestrian areas.
Community feedback was sought on all five locations, with strong support received for the crossings serving Horsham West Primary School. Across the project, many respondents highlighted the need for safer routes for children and lower traffic speeds in areas with significant pedestrian activity.
Cr Klowss said Council carefully considered all community feedback before making its decision.
“We appreciate that people took the time to share their views and experiences during the consultation process,” he said.
“The feedback helped reinforce what we already knew from our investigations: these locations are well used and improving pedestrian safety should remain a priority.”
At the Wimmera Base Hospital site, the project will upgrade the existing crossing to a full-width raised pedestrian crossing and introduce a reduced speed limit, creating a safer environment for patients, visitors and staff accessing the precinct.
Cr Klowss said the investment would help reduce risks in high pedestrian-use areas.
Council resolved to proceed with all five crossings after determining the safety benefits of the proposed treatments outweighed concerns raised during consultation.
“Road safety is something that affects every member of our community,” Cr Klowss said.
“If these improvements help a child get to school more safely, help a hospital visitor cross the road with confidence, or help prevent even one serious incident, then they will have made a real difference.”
