Safe Local Roads & Streets Program (SLRSP)
Safety upgrades are planned for several key streets across Wangaratta, with $2 million in Victorian Government funding secured through the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program.
The Rural City of Wangaratta will deliver the works across the CBD and surrounding streets to improve safety for people walking, cycling and driving, particularly in busy areas near schools, the hospital and the railway station.
What's happening (locations & works):
Ovens Street (between Cusack Street and Ford/Docker Street) - Works commencing 31 August 2016
- Works are scheduled to commence Monday 31 August 2026.
- The works include two raised pedestrian crossings, a new centre median and an upgraded school crossing.
- OLEX Civil Pty Ltd has been appointed to deliver the project.
When works will happen:
- Raised crossing located near Cusack Street from 31 August.
- School crossing from 21 September, during the school holidays, with some preparation works behind the kerb beforehand.
- Raised crossing located at Ford/Ovens Street roundabout from 14 September. Ovens Street will be closed at the workzone, with detours in place.
- Median strip works will be completed last to help maintain access to nearby parking and loading bays during construction.
What to expect during construction:
- There will be temporary traffic changes, including speed reductions, closures, detours and pedestrian changes.
- We will work with affected residents, businesses and property owners to maintain access where it is safe and practical.
- Temporary parking changes may be needed near work zones.
- Access to the WPACC and Art Gallery Carpark will remain available.
- School crossing works have been scheduled during the school holidays to reduce disruption for students, families and school traffic.
- Variable message signs will be used to give advance notice of works and detours.
Green Street (Cusack Street to Rowan Street)
- This project is currently out to tender, construction planned for October 2026.
- Construction of a new wombat crossing linking hospital entrance and existing hospital car park.
- Green Street road reconstruction works will be undertaken at the same time as the wombat crossing installation (Council funded).
Railway Shared Path (From Wangaratta Railway Station to Rowan Street Underpass Pedestrian Bridge)
- New shared user path connection from the railway station to Rowan Street to connect into the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail network.
- This project is currently at the detailed design stage.
Note:Final designs may change after detailed design, services checks and safety audit. Construction timings are indicative and may change due to weather, contractor availability and service relocations. Updates to this page will be made and businesses/residents will be informed before works commence at each site.
Why these works are needed:
- Community feedback highlighted the need for safer pedestrian movement in the CBD and new crossings.
- Improved cycling continuity between the rail trail, Railway Station and shared path network.
- Need to address unsafe speeds and driver behaviour.
Funding & Partners:
This project is funded by the Victorian Government through the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program, delivered in partnership with the Department of Transport and Planning and the Transport Accident Commission.
https://https//www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/programs
Stay informed:
Updates - this page will be refreshed as each project progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a wombat crossing?
A wombat crossing is a raised pedestrian crossing (similar to a zebra crossing) built on a platform that slows down vehicles and improves visibility between drivers and pedestrians. Its often at the same level as the footpath, making it easier for people with mobility issues. Wombat crossings are effective near shops, hospitals and schools.
The wombat crossing will be designed in accordance with VicRoads RDN03-07 – Raised Safety Platforms and will cater for bus movements.
What are the safety benefits of a wombat crossing?
Slows down cars.
Makes pedestrians easier to see through elevating pedestrians, making them more visible to approaching drivers, especially in busy or low-light conditions.
Gives pedestrians right of way.
Safer for kids and older people.
Reduces serious crashes.
Encourages walking and cycling.
Accessibility:
- The level surface between footpath and crossing improves access for prams, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters/aids making it accessible for all users.
- Includes tactile ground surface indicators for vision-impaired pedestrians.
- Improved lighting at crossing locations and solar lighting installed along shared user path.
How were sites selected?
Locations align with Council’s Walking and Cycling Strategy 2020–2030 and CBD Masterplan, community feedback, safety risk and pedestrian/cyclist demand.
Will traffic be slower after upgrades?
Treatments like raised crossings, medians and traffic calming target unsafe speeds and improve yielding—reducing crash likelihood/severity while keeping reasonable flow.
What about cyclist safety and driver behaviour?
Upgrades focus on predictable movements, clearer priority at crossings, and connected paths to reduce conflict points. Works will be complimented with signage and encourage safe passing and speed compliance.
Cyclists will need to slow down and approach wombat crossings with caution, the ramps will be bike friendly to provide a smooth transition.
Cyclists travelling over the wombat crossing must still give way to pedestrians using the wombat crossing.
Cyclists who wish to use a wombat crossing alongside pedestrians must dismount when crossing.
Why do the roads need to be closed for so long?
Council is installing concrete wombat crossings.
Concrete offers exceptional structural strength and a longer lifespan compared to asphalt.
Installation of concrete crossings requires significant labour, time for surface preparation, formwork, pouring and extended period of curing time.
The extended curing time of concrete requires the roads to be closed until curing is complete.
Will businesses lose access or parking/ Will there be parking losses?
Access will be maintained wherever safe; temporary parking changes will occur during works.
Designs aim to minimise vegetation impacts; any changes will follow arborist advice and replanting/offset guidelines where required.
How will school crossings change on Ovens Street?
The school crossing will be reconfigured for better visibility, shorter crossing distance and lower approach speeds via median/raised devices.
Will the Railway Station link connect to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail?
Yes, the shared path creates a continuous connection between the Railway Station and the Murray to Mountains Trail via Norton Street and the Rowan Street Bridge.
Will there be accessible (DDA) features?
Yes, designs include kerb ramps, tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs), and improved crossfall and refuge widths where applicable.
How can I provide feedback or get updates?
Email or call the Project Manager. Follow this webpage and attend planned drop‑in sessions.
What if I have accessibility needs during works?
Contact us in advance so we can coordinate safe access (mobility assistance, alternative routes).
Who is delivering the works?
The project is funded by the Victorian Government (SLRSP) and delivered by Council.
Location
St Patricks School, Wangaratta 3677 View Map
-36.3561694,146.3218443
St Patricks School ,
Wangaratta 3677
St Patricks School ,
Wangaratta 3677
Safe Local Roads & Streets Program (SLRSP)