Reduced speed limit marks final stage of Sloane Street safety works

Starting Monday, motorists travelling along Sloane Street in Stawell will need to adhere to a new speed limit to mark the final stage of a year-long road safety project.  

In March 2024, Northern Grampians Shire Council received more than $1.8-million through the Federal Government’s 2023-24 Black Spot Program to deliver the Sloane Street Road Safety Project. 

The program targets high-risk locations with a history of fatal or serious injury due to road accidents or potential hazards, providing funding to enhance road safety measures such as roundabouts, traffic signals and other traffic-calming methods. 

The council submitted the Sloane Street project to the program due to the road’s history of incidents and evidence of high speed.  

The project was broken down into eight stages, involving construction of new roundabouts, centre medians, kerb outstands, improved signs, and improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists.  

The works have been carried out at multiple locations along Sloane Street, from Patrick Street through to the Western Highway.  

Seven stages are nearing completion, with several awaiting installation of street lighting to improve visibility at night.  

The eighth stage involves the reduction of the speed limit between Patrick and Cooper streets to 50kmh, from 60kmh. 

Mayor Karen Hyslop urged motorists to pay attention to the new speed limit and associated signs. 

She said the council applied for Black Spot Program funding in response to a history of vehicular accidents on Sloane Street, with growing concerns about the likelihood of serious injuries.

“With a hospital, childcare centre and primary school along this road, the council was concerned about the rising risks posed by the high volume of traffic, as well as the potential for serious accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians,” she said. 

“In order to reduce the likelihood of serious injury or fatality due to accidents, the council proactively sought Black Spot funding to implement several risk-mitigation measures.” 

Cr Hyslop said the project aligned with the council’s Rural Road Safety Plan 2021-2025 and Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2013-2022.  

These plans focus on key safety areas such as rural road safety, school zones, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and urban speed regulation. 

“Together, all eight stages of the Sloane Street Road Safety Project will deliver considerable safety improvements for our local community,” Cr Hyslop said.  

“Road safety will remain a priority for the council in the coming years across all urban areas in our shire. 

“We appreciate the community’s patience over the past 12 months as these critical road safety enhancements have been implemented. While there might have been some inconvenience, we believe our community understands the importance of vigilance and proactive measures when it comes to road safety – because even one life lost is too many.” 

People can read more information about the project, including a detailed explanation of the eight stages, on our website here.