Traffic and parking changes will be rolled out in Shepparton’s inner north following the adoption of a traffic plan to address the impact of the new secondary college on the local road network.
The plan includes 39 recommendations based on community feedback and a review of parking, traffic and pedestrian management through site observations, monitoring of speed, parking and traffic volumes, and crash history.
The plan was prepared following Greater Shepparton Secondary College’s 2022 opening in Hawdon St and is a follow-up to an earlier traffic plan implemented in preparation for the school’s opening.
It covers the area contained by Balaclava Rd to the north, GSSC to the east, Nixon St to the south, and Wyndham St to the west, and contains five different schools.
Greater Shepparton City Council adopted the plan at its February meeting and Mayor Shane Sali thanked the community for feedback that helped shape it.
“The submissions we received expressed a need for improved road safety and traffic management in the area, and for improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, particularly around schools,” he said.
“The plan is the first step in realising safer trips for all users in the area, regardless of how they choose to get around.
“The recommendations will promote active travel by walking and cycling, and improve the safety and parking allocation for vehicles.”
Recommendations include improving line marking, installing pedestrian crossings and speed control devices, and changes to parking arrangements.
The estimated cost of rolling out the recommendations is $2.3 million and the plan itself cost council $27,350.
The key recommendations will be implemented from 2023 onwards while some will require further investigation for inclusion in council’s 10-year capital works program.
Council will also look into federal and state government grant programs to assist funding the changes.
For the full list of recommendations in the plan, visit greatershepparton.com.au/council/major-projects