Work will soon get underway to upgrade the intersection of Barringo and Hamilton roads in New Gisborne, improving access and safety around the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct (MRRSP).
Expected to be completed by July 2024, subject to weather and ground conditions, the works will see a realigned intersection with a new roundabout to replace the current intersection.This will support the expected increase in traffic and pedestrians following the full development of the precinct.
A signalised pedestrian crossing will also be installed to the west of the intersection in Hamilton Road and a zebra crossing along a raised platform to the north in Barringo Road, to improve pedestrian safety in mind of MRRSP patrons and nearby schools.
Council’s Assets and Operations Director Shane Walden said construction would be staged to minimise disruption, with sequential closures expected to Hamilton Road (east), Hamilton Road (west) and Barringo Road.
“The new roundabout and surrounding upgrades will be essential in providing better, safer connections to the new facilities,” he said.
“Council continues to work closely with all those nearby who may be more directly impacted by these works, including supporting the nearby schools to maintain safe connections and minimise disruptions for staff, students and parents as much as possible.”
Traffic management, detours and signage will be in place during the works, with full road closures required at times. Drivers are advised to expect some delays, particularly in the context of the separate Hamilton Road reconstruction works currently underway from the Kilmore Road intersection.
The intersection design was informed and refined through detailed planning work, alongside extensive consultation with nearby landowners and the broader community in 2021, when close to 75 per cent of 200 survey respondents said they preferred a roundabout over alternative signalised options.
The intersection works are part of Stage One of the MRRSP, which is expected to cost $29.7 million.
Stage One includes funding from the Victorian Government ($14.8 million, Local Sports Grant – Major Program and Growing Suburbs Fund), Melbourne Water (~$343,200) and AFL Victoria ($100,000).
There was hope of an early opening of the stadium, however the higher-than-average rainfall between November and January has resulted in the opening date returning to July 2024.
“Council is working closely with all pre-booked stadium sporting clubs and user groups, to keep them updated and source alternate locations where necessary,” Mr Walden said. “We’re looking forward to the facility opening and providing benefits for the broader Macedon Ranges community.”
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