Travellers from the Wimmera to Ballarat and beyond will notice new traffic conditions as they pass through Stawell.

The new traffic signals have been switched on at the Western Highway - Seaby Street intersection, which should improve safety for all road users and reduce crashes at this busy intersection while providing greater connectivity between Western Highway and Stawell township.

This upgrades to this intersection have included -
  • Installation of traffic signals and street lighting.
  • Dedicated pedestrian crossing points.
  • One additional thru lane in each direction incorporating the left turn lanes on both Western Highway approaches and departures.
  • New asphalt pavement across the intersection.
Following community engagement, the final design was modified to retain three public parking spaces to the west of the intersection, previously earmarked for removal.

The intended benefits of the new traffic signals at this intersection include -
  • Reduced likelihood and severity of crashes.
  • Increase safety for all road users, including pedestrians.
  • Improve access between Western Highway and Seaby Street.
  • Improve intersection capacity during peak periods.
  • Provide greater connectivity between the Western Highway and Stawell township.
The Western Highway and Seaby Street intersection forms part of the major transport route from Melbourne to the South Australia border, with this section of the Western Highway also a major tourist route.

This intersection is one of the busiest in Stawell, with around 7,300 vehicles using this section of the Western Highway and around 4,900 vehicles using this section of Seaby Street each day.

Over the past ten years, ten crashes have been recorded at this intersection, including two that resulted in serious injuries.

While the new lights are on, some work remains, with public lighting and site clean-up yet to be completed. Traffic management may be required at times, and minor disruptions are expected.