Intersection upgrade locked in

WORK to fix a deadly intersection where a string of Christmas crashes occurred is expected to start ahead of this year’s festive season.

The State Government committed $4.9 million to install illuminated warning signs and a British-style rural roundabout at the intersection of Birregurra-Forrest, ColacLorne and Deepdene roads.

Over the Christmas and New Year period, Batesford man George Hullo, 52, was killed and nine others were injured at the crossroads.

This week VicRoads South West regional director Mark Koliba said engineers were in the process of finalising detailed designs and developing a construction timeline for the new roundabout.

It is understood discussions with landowners are under way to allow access for construction while the newly formed Regional Roads Victoria is working closely with affected landowners.

Early works, including service relocation, are expected to start in December.

A community rally was held at the site in January with more than 200 people calling on the State Government to upgrade the intersection.

Since then, VicRoads has reduced the speed limit, cleared vegetation and installed warning signs and reflective markers.

There have been no reported accidents at the intersection since these measures were taken.

Mr Koliba said VicRoads would keep the community informed about the progress of the upgrades. “We know how important this intersection upgrade will be for the community — we will keep everyone up to date as this project progresses,” Mr Koliba said.