Community feedback shaping black forest drive

Feedback from the local community on proposed safety improvements at Black Forest Drive is helping to inform the design of the road upgrade.

The community was invited to provide feedback on a range of proposed safety improvements to the road between Woodend and Macedon in-person and online last year.

Following significant feedback from the community about changing the lane configuration, Regional Roads Victoria is now developing draft road designs that will enhance safety for all road users whilst maintaining the current configuration.

Proposed improvements currently being considered include installing pedestrian islands, upgrading intersections to provide safer access turning into and out of Black Forest Drive, road surface improvements, sealing entrances to key side roads and some driveway entrances and line marking.

Regional Roads Victoria will explore opportunities to install more signs that alert drivers to cyclists along the road and sealing the entrances to priority side roads and some driveways to provide smoother journeys for all road users.

The Andrews Labor Government made a $6 million investment to make safety improvements on Black Forest Drive in the Victorian Budget 2021-22.

Draft road designs will be released for community feedback late 2022 with works expected to start in 2023.

Community feedback has been summarised in a report on the Regional Roads Victoria website: Black Forest Drive safety improvements | Regional Roads Victoria

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"We have listened to local concerns and will be revising plans for Black Forest Drive to better meet the needs of our community."

"We’ll continue to work closely with the community to improve roads in the Macedon area to increase safety for locals and visitors."