Works on a long-awaited pedestrian safety upgrade project along Rutherglen’s Main Street are set to commence this month.

On Monday the state government announced that crews would begin the $1.3m works at multiple locations along the busy street with multiple pedestrian safety projects set to roll out and be completed over the coming months.

Among the safety upgrades on Main Street include new pedestrian-operated traffic lights between High Street and Murphy Street, a zebra crossing near Warrens Lane, speed bumps, raised safety platforms and an extension of the 40km/h speed zone on the eastern approach to Murphy Street.

According to Transport Victoria, the works are expected to take 16 weeks to complete.

There will be a combination of day and night works, with speed reductions and lane closures expected.

During works, the existing school crossing on Main Street will be temporarily moved to the intersection of High Street and continue to be operated by the school crossing supervisor.

The funding for the upgrades was announced in 2024 after a petition was tabled before parliament following a fatal pedestrian collision and a truck crash which occurred on the street earlier that year.

The upgrades were finalised in June last year after community feedback prompted changes to the design of the pedestrian safety improvements.

Minister for Roads and road safety Melissa Horne said the upgrades would boost pedestrian safety for everyone who lives, works, visits or travels through the town.

“Pedestrians are among our most vulnerable road users and with thousands of vehicles travelling on Main Street in Rutherglen each day, these improvements will help keep everyone safe,” she said.

Treasurer and Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes said the investment would deliver calmer traffic and safer crossings.

“These upgrades will make it safer and easier for locals and visitors to move around Rutherglen’s historic town centre,” she said.

For more information visit transport.vic.gov.au/news-and-resources/projects/rutherglen-pedestrian-safety-improvements.