The roundabout has been a long time in the planning with residents waiting patiently for the intersection upgrade since March 2017 when VicRoads and Federal Member for Murray (now Nicholls) Damian Drum confirmed a roundabout would be built at the location as part of $20 million to be spent on safety improvements on a 130km stretch of the Murray Valley Highway between Echuca and Yarrawonga.
Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) Director (Hume) Steve Bowmaker said works are almost 100 per cent complete with the roundabout already providing a safer alternative for motorists.
“Our crews have almost completed work on the new roundabout at the intersection of Murray Valley Highway and Woods Road which will make it safer and improve traffic flow for the thousands of people using this busy highway intersection every day,” Mr Bowmaker said.
“We’re working through the final stages of completing minor line marking, landscaping and installing signage, with works expected to be complete in the coming weeks, well ahead of schedule.”
The upgraded Murray Valley Highway and Woods Road intersection will better cater for heavy vehicles, provide safer turning opportunities and improve traffic flow between local and highway traffic.
Safety has also been improved for pedestrians and cyclists with new crossing points on each of the roundabout approaches.
An accident earlier this year at the dangerous intersection sparked concern at the time of when the promised roundabout would be constructed with works beginning in mid-July.
The two-vehicle collision on February 26 raised further frustration by local residents who vented their concerns on social media with many residents saying they avoid the hazardous intersection where possible adding congestion on other residential streets.
Residents and nearby business owners are now very pleased with the roundabout saying it has created safer vehicle access to Woods Road and safer pathways for pedestrians especially those leaving the Denis Medical Centre and Woods Point Aged Care.
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