15 Mar 2017 Wangaratta Chronicle, Wangaratta VIC (General News) A NOTORIOUS section of the Beechworth-Wodonga Road in Wooragee will receive a $9.6 million upgrade later this year. In the five year period ending August 2016, 13 crashes have occurred on this stretch between Beechworth and the Yackandandah turn-off with five people tragically killed and 14 others seriously injured. The road has a number of driving hazards including winding and steep sections, and sharp road-side drop offs. The 15 kilometre section of road is one of Victorias top 20 highest risk rural roads in the Towards Zero 2016-2020 Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) said the funding will be spent on a range of improvement works to help reduce the likelihood and severity of future accidents on the road. Works will include a new roundabout at the Beechworth and Yackandandah Road intersection and over 20 kilometres of flexible road safety barriers and tactile line-marking that creates noise to alert drivers will be installed. A new overtaking lane for Wodonga-bound traffic between Edmondson and Star Lanes will help to reduce head-on and run-off-road crashes. An 80km/h speed limit through Wooragee will also be introduced to improve safety. The community have told us they want this dangerous road fixed thats why weve fast tracked this upgrade to make it safer and easier for locals to get where they need to go, Ms Symes said. This upgrade will help to reduce the risk of serious injuries and ensure people get home safer and sooner every day. Works are expected to start in late 2017. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.