25 Feb 2017 Shepparton News, Shepparton VIC (General News) by Declan Martin SAFETY MEASURES PART OF WORKS ON DANGEROUS SECTION OF MIDLAND HWY A roundabout at the intersection with Tatura-Undera Rd and traffic signals at KidsTown are some of the major changes in a $22.5 million Victorian Government upgrade of the Midland Hwy between Stanhope and Shepparton. The VicRoads works start on Monday and also include the installation of f lexible safety barriers, six additional overtaking lanes three in each direction and road widening. The f lexible safety barriers will be installed down the centre-line of sections of the highway, after road widening, and on the left-hand side of the road in high-risk locations. The road will be widened between Turnbull Rd, Mooroopna, and Johnson Rd, Stanhope, and rumble strips will be added along 29 km of the road. VicRoads is working with landowners and emergency services and will continue to ensure safe access to properties and sections of the highway. The improvements are aimed at preventing head-on, run-off and intersection crashes after the stretch of road was identified as Victorias highest risk road due to crash history, road surface and the safety of key intersections. Since January 2010, this section of road has recorded 79 casualty crashes including three fatalities, 32 serious injuries and 44 other associated injuries. The latest fatality occurred on January 25 last year at the Tatura-Undera Rd intersection. A VicRoads spokesperson said the project was set to start in September, but given last years road toll and the need to put in place safety measures as soon as possible, work had been brought forward. Works are expected to be completed in mid-2018. There may be a slight increase in travel time associated with traffic management, including the introduction of work zone speed limits. An interim safer speed of 80 km/h will be introduced at the intersection of Midland Hwy and TaturaUndera Rd when works begin, following a series of serious crashes. The spokesperson said every effort would be made to avoid and minimise impacts to residents, motorists and the environment. Speed limit reductions from 50 km/h to 40 km/h are also being considered in Mooroopna for pedestrian safety. There have been a number of tragic accidents along the Midland Hwy and thats why Labor is investing in innovative ways to make country roads safer, Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said. The installation of barriers down the centre and along the side of the Midland Hwy will help prevent head-on crashes and reduce the severity of the impact on motorists. Caption Text: Safety measures: A $22.5 million Victorian Government upgrade of the Midland Hwy between Stanhope and Shepparton starts on Monday. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.