The Federal Government have allocated $3.1 million for a Seaby Street Intersection Upgrade project as part of the 2021-22 budget.

The Federal Government said this project will signalise the intersection of the Western Highway and Seaby Street in Stawell as part of the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.

Regional Roads Victoria have confirmed new traffic lights will be installed at the intersection of Seaby Street and the Western Highway in Stawell's west, with the goal of improving safety for drivers and pedestrians and making it easier and safer to cross the Western Highway.

The intersection currently has a traffic flow of 6,800 vehicles per day on the Western Highway, 33 per cent of which consists of heavy vehicles and 5,000 vehicles per day on Seaby Street according to Regional Roads Victoria.

Regional Roads Victoria Director Western (Grampians) Michael Bailey said they are in the process of developing designs for the project.

READ MORE:

"As we move closer to construction, we will work to keep the Stawell community as closely informed as possible," he said.

A timeframe for the project has not been released and the Northern Grampians Shire Council has been contacted for comment about the project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government had allocated $13.88 million in the 2021-22 budget to allow Victoria to kick off construction on four vital projects between Stawell and the South Australian Border.

Do you have something to say on this issue? Send a Letter to the Editor to editorial@stawelltimes.com.au

"This funding will deliver upgrades to the Horsham Junction, and Western Highway intersections with Nhill-Jeparit Road at Nhill and Seaby Street in Stawell" the Deputy Prime Minister said.

"Not only will these upgrades address the pinch points in the corridor but they will support local businesses and local jobs."

Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the ROSI investments was a great outcome for locals, who will benefit from the improved links between regional communities.

OTHER NEWS:

"The Australian Government is committed to upgrading this vital freight link for many major agriculture industries, which is why I am excited to see works will soon be underway," Dr Webster said.

"Road safety is vitally important for our communities."

At their April council meeting the Northern Grampians Shire Council adopt Western Highway Urban Design Framework (UDF), which stated a traffic light at Seaby Street would be beneficial.

In April, Regional Roads Victoria said they regularly assesses proposals from Council and the local community, with a key priority to ensure that any change was safe for all road users - in this case, balancing the needs and safety of highway and local traffic.

More information is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.

If you can see this message, you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Stawell Times-News, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and for allowing us to continue telling Stawell's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great town.