The upgrades include wombat crossings on both legs of Hare St, with the southern leg to be converted to left-turn only, preventing vehicles from crossing the intersection.
The intersection is heavily used by pedestrians and motorists heading to the historic precinct and central roads, and was flagged for funding after drivers were repeatedly seen struggling to find a safe gap to cross or turn.
Works were originally expected to begin in early 2025, but the Riv reported design changes would delay the works to September that year, following consultation with Campaspe Shire Council.
To maintain consistency with the historic precinct, the state government had to procure custom-built light poles.
Campaspe Shire director of infrastructure Kate Lemon confirmed the streetlights were installed mid-November 2025.
Beyond that, little progress has been made — and with the federal funding deadline fast approaching, time is running out to get the job done.
According to the Black Spot Program guidelines, the Federal Government requires projects to be completed within two financial years, or three where exceptional circumstances apply.
Any cost increase requests are only accepted for up to one year beyond the approved delivery period.
When the Riv recently contacted the government seeking an update on the funding timeline, the multi-year delay and an estimated construction duration, a Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said DTP was working with Campaspe Shire to "ensure the safest outcome for the community".
When pressed about the funding and timeline, they declined to elaborate further.
Ms Lemon said that beyond the design phase and heritage consultation, council has had no further involvement in the project.
“Council have not been involved in other aspects of the project, including procurement and construction, and are not aware of DTP’s current delivery timelines,” she said.
Since this intersection received its Black Spot funding allocation in 2024-25, a further 134 Black Spot projects across Victoria have since been approved.
To be eligible for the program, a road must have a history of crashes — and on regional and rural roads, at least two casualty crashes must have occurred over a five-year period.
