Council has started on the first of many projects to improve road and pedestrian safety around three schools in St Arnaud.
An extension of the footpath on Mackay Street means students accessing St Arnaud Secondary College will no longer run out of footpath before they reach the school gate.
The existing footpath will be extended by 21 metres with a three-metre tie-in to the school gate and is expected to be completed before the school term starts later this month.
The footpath upgrade is one of 14 projects identified in a Child Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Analysis conducted on behalf of council last year.
The study was funded with a grant from the Transport Accident Commission and conducted in consultation with St Arnaud Secondary College, St Arnaud Primary School, St Patrick’s Primary School, and road safety consultant from Driscoll Engineering.
Other projects identified as priorities to improve safety around the three schools include constructing new parking areas, upgrading bus drop-off and pick-up areas, and improvements to existing cycling infrastructure.
Kara Kara Ward Councillor, Tony Driscoll, said the improvements will create a safer and better-connected St Arnaud.
“The upgrades to the footpaths and cycleways around the three schools will ensure drivers, riders, and pedestrians will be better protected on and around the busy school roads,” he said.
The next stages of the upgrades will take place around the schools in the coming weeks and months.
