The Albanese and Allan Labor governments are making travel smoother at an intersection along a key agricultural route in western Victoria, with the new roundabout to improve traffic flow.

The Western Highway and Henty Highway intersection is a key access point to Horsham’s CBD, serving as a critical junction for local industries, freight and nearby residential precincts.

Golf Course Road and Plumpton Road service an industrial zone and are used heavily by freight.

As well as the construction of a new roundabout, there will be a shared path to provide safe crossing opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists.

A new dedicated slip lane for southbound traffic on the Western Highway will also be installed, as well as public lighting at the intersection.

The works, which are scheduled to take up to 12 months to complete, will futureproof the intersection of Henty Highway, Western Highway, Golf Course Road and Plumpton Road.

The intersection caters for 18,000 vehicles per day, with 18 per cent of the volume being heavy vehicles.

Major works have been planned to minimise disruptions as much as possible during the busy harvest season.

During the busiest times of road works there will be lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h, with traffic controllers on site to help direct drivers.

The Western Highway and Henty Highway will remain open throughout the project.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“This section of the Henty and Western highways is a key link for Western Victoria – that’s why the Australian Government, in partnership with the Victorian Government, is investing in this crucial corridor.

“By upgrading the Western and Henty highway intersection to a roundabout with extra safety features, we’re supporting local jobs, improving travelling times and ensuring Horsham has the infrastructure it needs.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister Ports and Freight, Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne:

“We are keeping more goods moving smoother on our roads by improving intersections along these key freight routes.

“With traffic flow anticipated to increase due to population growth in the region, we’re constructing a new roundabout to simplify the intersection for drivers and make the journey smoother.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart:

“Drivers in the Wimmera deserve roads that are safe, reliable and built for the future, which is why this new roundabout is an investment in community safety and will help prevent serious crashes at one of the region’s busiest junctions.

“This project will provide a safe and secure road connection along the Henty and Western highways for all drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.”