Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) have constructed two new raised pedestrian crossings on Graham Street and upgraded the existing zebra crossing to a raised pedestrian crossing on Murray Street in May 2022.

A safer speed of 40km/h on Graham Street, Murray Street, Billson Street and McBride Avenue was introduced in the CBD.

These works are part of the Australian Government’s $3 billion Road Safety Program, being delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government and the Transport Accident Commission, as we continue to deliver safer, connected journeys in Victoria, while supporting our economic recovery.

Details

The locations for the new raised pedestrian crossings on Graham Street are:

• outside Plaza Arcade
• in front of Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre.

Raised pedestrian crossings give priority to pedestrians with the traditional white stripes seen at zebra crossings.

The crossings include:

• flashing lights to alert drivers to slow down to allow pedestrians to cross
• 40km/h speed limit to significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious injury occurring if a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle
• new streetscaping consisting of plants, seating and pavement artwork to enhance the look and feel of the Wonthaggi CBD
• artwork by indigenous Australian artist Koorin Edwards to be installed on the footpaths at the three crossings to symbolise connection, coming together and gathering.

To make way for these new safer crossings and to build the crossings in accordance to safety and design standards 14 car spaces were removed and two regular car parks were converted into disabled use only and create an additional drop-off area in front of the Arts Centre.

Car parks are plentiful in Wonthaggi’s CBD, with 200 public off-street parking bays, 1021 on-street parking bays and approximately 1336 private car parks available.

The map below shows where the improvement works will be taking place.

Benefits

These improvement works will make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross the road in Wonthaggi’s CBD.

The raised pedestrian crossings will also help connect Graham Street to Murray Street, creating a safe crossing network for pedestrians enabling them to easily access shops and services within the CBD.