The Riddells Creek Movement Network Study is taking shape with a draft recommendation report complete and aims for the final study to be presented by the end of the 2023/24 financial year.
Future infrastructure projects identified include pedestrian facility upgrades, cycling facility upgrades, intersection upgrades, speed limit reduction, and streetscape and amenity improvements.
Pedestrian safety proposals include wombat crossings at Station Street, Sutherlands Road and Whittakers Lane, refuge crossings at the intersection of Kilmore Road/Amess Road and Kilmore/ Gap Road, and pedestrian operated signal crossing at Sutherlands Road.
Suggestions for intersection improvements include traffic lights or new roundabout at Riddell Road / Kilmore Road, new roundabout at Kilmore Road / Sandy Creek Road, traffic lights at Kilmore Road / Station Street to a signalised intersection, and new roundabout at Kilmore Road / Gyro Close intersection with future access into the northern part of Amess Road development.
Speed limit reductions, speed bumps and one way traffic flow will also be considered in areas throughout the town.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council initiated the Riddells Creek Movement Network Study in 2021 to guide the provision and upgrade of transport infrastructure in the town.
The community initially raised concerns regarding the township growth’s impact on future infrastructure needs and traffic management through budget submissions.
Stage one consultation highlighted concerns around congestion, lack of pedestrian crossings, safety around schools, consideration for cyclists, speeding, road conditions, geese, lack of footpaths, and an increase in heavy vehicles.
Specific areas marked for attention included turning lanes and traffic management on Main Road and safety concerns at Sutherlands Road, Amess Road and Riddell Road.
Parking problems were also raised at Station Street around Foodworks, lack of accessible parking, and a general lack of parking in the township and around schools.
The council will continue to work on Stage 2A of the study by defining appropriate criteria to rank the list of draft recommendations projects in order of priority.
In Stage 2B, officers will undertake detailed traffic and parking studies, traffic analysis and further investigations to refine the draft recommendations.
Council officers are planning for community consultation in February 2024. After consultation, officers may refine the implementation plan and recommendations.
The implementation plan’s project prioritisation will be based on immediate needs and then reference growth
trigger points.
Officers are expected to present the final Riddells Creek Movement Network Study at a Scheduled Council Meeting before the end of FY23/24.
