Projects

Western Highway and Seaby Street intersection upgrade, Stawell

We’re improving safety for all road users and pedestrians at the Western Highway and Seaby Street intersection in Stawell.

Project status:

Planned

Update - June 2024

The new traffic signals are switched on at the Western Highway / Seaby Street intersection. Please be aware of the new traffic conditions when using the intersection.

Remaining works include public lighting and site clean-up. Traffic management may be required at times, with minor disruptions expected.

The new traffic signals will improve safety for all road users and reduce crashes at the busy intersection, while providing greater connectivity between Western Highway and Stawell township.

As part of the Australian and Victorian Government’s investment into the Western Highway corridor to keep regional communities connected, the Australian Government has committed $3.1 million to the project, along with the Victorian Government’s in-kind contribution.

Design

This upgrade included:

Installation of traffic signals and street lighting
Dedicated pedestrian crossing points
One additional thru lane in each direction incorporating the left turn lanes on both Western Highway approaches and departures
New asphalt pavement across the intersection

The final designs include minor changes made in 2022 to retain three public parking spaces to the west of the intersection, previously earmarked for removal.

Benefits

Traffic signals at this intersection will:

Reduce likelihood and severity of crashes;
Increase safety for all road users, including pedestrians;
Improve access between Western Highway and Seaby Street;
Improve intersection capacity during peak periods;
Provide greater connectivity between the Western Highway and Stawell township; and
Retain three public parking spaces to the west of the intersection, following community engagement.

Background

The Western Highway and Seaby Street intersection forms part of the major transport route from Melbourne to the South Australia border, with this section of the Western Highway also a major tourist route.

This intersection is one of the busiest in Stawell and is continuing to experience increased traffic volumes.

Around 7,300 vehicles using this section of the Western Highway each day, while around 4,900 vehicles use this section of Seaby Street each day.

Over the past 10 years, 10 crashes have been recorded at this intersection, including two crashes resulting in a serious injury.