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Work starts on Black Forest Drive upgrade

Regional Roads Victoria will start this month on the massive upgrade of notorious Black Forest Drive through Macedon and Woodend.

Once a four-lane intercity highway – redundant after the Calder Freeway was opened – Black Forest Drive will be repurposed as a safe two-lane road linking the local communities.

Crucially, a separated bike facility will be installed as part of the project.

The 12km upgrade will progress along the road in stages and conclude later this year.

Some traffic disruptions are expected during works and delays of up to 10 minutes are expected.

Traffic management will be in place during construction ad speed limits will be reduced to 40km/h within the work zone. Single lane closures will be in place at times.

Through motor traffic can choose to avoid the works by using the Calder Freeway to access Woodend and Mt Macedon Road to access Macedon.

During the project, the lane configuration will be changed to one traffic lane in each direction. A painted median will create vehicle turning lanes and pedestrian refuges, and there will be a separated bike lane in each direction.

The road will be resealed, and the bike lanes will be separated by a wide, marked chevron and vibraline.

Right-turn lanes for accessing side roads will be added at 13 locations in the new median area to reduce the risk of nose-to-tail collisions.

The new median will also be used by all road users to safely turn into properties, without the need to stop in a traffic lane.

Pedestrian islands will be built at key locations to boost safety, especially for school children using bus stops.

The entrances to some higher-risk side roads will be sealed, which will mean less gravel and debris in the path of cyclists from vehicles exiting those roads. New street lighting will be installed. 

Safety lanes will be introduced for bike riders on the Calder Freeway overpass, where there is no room to accommodate the dedicated bike lanes.

The Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne says: “Following extensive community consultation and the examination of different design options, we’re making journeys along Black Forest Drive safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.”

The Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas says: “The community told us this section of road was dangerous, we’ve listened and now we’re getting on with delivering works to make it safer.”

 

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