Ballarat students and pedestrians will be safer thanks to a range of road safety improvements getting underway in high-risk areas this month.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said vital safety improvements had started rolling out in Delacombe, Buninyong, Sebastopol and Wendouree.

“We’re making sure it’s safer and easier to cross busy roads across Ballarat, particularly for students getting to and from school – which is timely as Victoria heads into term two this week,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“These works are being delivered through the jointly funded $97.2 million Targeted Road Safety Package, to support economic recovery in Victoria while improving safety on our roads.”

Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said pedestrians, and particularly school students, were some of the most vulnerable road users.

“Ballarat is growing fast, which means higher traffic volumes – that’s why it’s vital we continue investing in safety improvements to ensure Victorians can get to where they need to go safely,” Minister Carroll said.

“One of the projects we’re delivering will boost safety along Wiltshire Lane in Delacombe, where increased traffic in the area has made it difficult for pedestrians and students from nearby schools to safely cross the road.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the works will benefit the wider Ballarat community.

“These upgrades aren’t just great for Ballarat’s school students – they will make travelling around the broader Ballarat area safer and easier for local shoppers, motorists driving around local Ballarat streets and those passing through heading towards Western Victoria,” Senator Henderson said.

Victorian Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the works on Wiltshire Lane included a new pedestrian refuge, improvements to the existing Whitelaw Avenue traffic island, and a 60km/h speed limit between La Trobe Street and the Glenelg Highway.

“We’ve heard the community’s concerns about Wiltshire Lane and we’re taking action to make it safer and easier to cross this busy road,” Ms Addison said.

Other works being delivered include improving the visibility of the pedestrian crossing at the entrance to Buninyong for approaching motorists and improving the crossing in the main shopping strip of Sebastopol so it is more prominent and accessible; and fixing the missing links in pedestrian access around Wendouree Station. Victorian Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle says the works will encourage the Ballarat community to enjoy more active transport.

“All of these vital safety improvements are now rolling out and will be completed in coming weeks, providing a safer environment and hopefully encouraging more people to walk to ride,” Ms Settle said.

In line with the standard Commonwealth-State contribution levels for regional transport projects, the Australian Government has committed $71.5 million and the Victorian Government $25.7 million to fund Targeted Road Safety Works across Victoria.