The state government has announced an additional $24,300 of funding to be spent on Northern Midlands roads.
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The money will be used to extend the existing footpath, about 200 metres, at Drummond Street, Perth.
The funding is part of the government’s Vulnerable Road User Program which works to improve road safety and preventing road trauma to achieve the Toward Zero goal, of zero deaths on Tasmanian roads.
Northern Midlands mayor David Downie said the area was a worthy recipient of the grant and welcomed the successful application.
“It’ll mean we’re able to extend the footpath west of Drummond Crescent to Norfolk Street, which will give people a link to walk along the existing footpath,” Mr Downie said.
“(The pedestrians) are walking past cars where the speed limit is 70 kilometres an hour and there’s no footpath there. So if we can put a footpath in, then that makes it less dangerous for pedestrians.”
Mr Downie said he believed people in the local area would be happy about the grant.
“It’s public money being used for the public good,” he said.
“It’s Important that the community receives the benefits.”
There is no indication of when the project will be completed.
“When we receive grants, we work expediently to fulfill the project the grant was for,” Mr Downie said.
“I’d hope that now the council has got the money they’ll step up and do the job.”
Liberal MHA Mark Shelton said the funding is part of protecting vulnerable road users, including cyclists pedestrians and motorcyclists.
“Cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists clearly lack the protection of a motor vehicle, and invariably come off second best in a collision,” he said.
The program funds new bike lanes, footpaths and pedestrian crossings around the state in partnership with local councils.
The government also reminded drivers to be aware of increased travel times along the Midland Highway.
It warned drivers that an extra 45 minutes travel time could be expected because of “several” roadwork sites.