A Mildura-based low cost solution to dangerous intersections has taken home one of Australasia’s premier road safety awards, the 3M-ACRS Diamond Road Safety Award.
The winning project, titled ‘Low Cost Implanted Compact Roundabout’, was led by Christopher Davis, Road Safety Officer at Mildura Rural City Council alongside civil engineer Hardeep Singh and contractor B&S Earthmoving.
The award was presented by Mr Martin Small, President of the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS), and Mr Andrew King, Group Division Manager ANZ- Transportation Safety, Advanced Materials & Electronic Solutions Materials at 3M.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack congratulated all of this year’s award winners for their contribution to improving road safety throughout Australia.
“I’d like to congratulate all of the winners for their invaluable contributions which have helped to enhance road safety standards.” he said.
“I’d especially like to congratulate Chris Davis and the team from Mildura Rural City Council for winning the major road safety award which has contributed to a reduction in death and serious injuries, through the rethinking of road infrastructure.”
The Low Cost Implanted Compact Roundabout project took two dangerous cross road intersections, and resolved the safety issues present at the two sites for around 1/10 the price of a conventional roundabout.
A typical roundabout has an operating speed of around 35km/h. While this speed usually represents a low or minor risk to vehicle drivers, it presents a significant risk for vulnerable road users. To resolve this issue the project installed spike down speed cushions, with a design operating speed of 20km/h, on all roundabout approaches. The project’s pre and post construction data showed the 85th percentile speed dropped from 43km/h, down to 19km/h. Further, the data showed that 99.84% of drivers entered the roundabout at less that 25km/h.
“The Australasian College of Road Safety is delighted to continue our association with 3M in this highly coveted award. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Chris Davis and the team at Mildura Rural City Council, for their low cost, highly successful, and easily replicated road safety solution,” ACRS President, Mr Martin Small, said.
“Mildura has shown how much can be achieved at low cost by Local Government.”
