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This article was published on Monday, 11 September, 2023. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Feedback closing soon for Welsford Street draft concept designs

Feedback closes at midnight on Monday 18 September 2023. Stages 5 and 6 seek to upgrade Welsford Street south of the Fryers Street intersection, to the intersection of Wyndham and Sobraon Streets.

The Welsford Street Upgrade is a six-stage project aiming to cater for Welsford Street’s role as a busy north-south arterial road, by increasing road capacity while improving traffic flow, safety and amenity for vehicles and pedestrians. To date, Council has constructed Stages 1 to 4 of the upgrade between Knight Street and Fryers Street.

The upgrade is a key outcome of the Shepparton CBD Strategy 2008 and the Shepparton and Mooroopna 2050: Regional City Growth Plan, which seek to improve access to the CBD by reducing through traffic and redirecting freight and non-local traffic onto alternative routes. The six-stage upgrade will aim to gradually improve the amenity of the Shepparton CBD by relocating non-local and heavy traffic to Welsford Street, and creating a safer and more pedestrian attractive environment on Wyndham Street.

The draft concept designs have been prepared by Stantec Australia Pty Ltd, and include:

Intersection improvements at Welsford Street/High Street, and Sobraon/Wyndham Street with additional turning lanes
Modified intersection at Welsford Street/Vaughan Street to allow for only left-turn in and left-turn out movements with improved pedestrian infrastructure
A new pedestrian and cycling shared path on the western side of Welsford Street
The retention of most trees where possible
Undergrounding powerlines in Welsford Street where possible

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, encouraged residents to provide their feedback.

“We are really interested to hear from landowners, occupiers of the land along Welsford Street, residents, pedestrians and cyclists as they are the ones who use this stretch of road each day. I encourage everyone to provide their feedback on the draft concept designs while consultation is still open. Now is the time to have your say,” he said.

“Any feedback received will be considered when preparing the final concept designs. These will be used by Council officers to inform detailed designs and cost estimates that can be included in Council’s 10-year capital works program for consideration, and to be accounted for in a future Budget for eventual tender and construction.”

The draft concept designs can be viewed online at the Shaping Greater Shepp website. Feedback can be provided online via Shaping Greater Shepp, emailed to council@shepparton.vic.gov.au, or posted to Greater Shepparton City Council, Locked Bag 1000, Shepparton VIC 3632.

Residents can also request a 20-minute one-to-one appointment with Council officers to discuss the draft concepts. These are available on Wednesday 13 September 2023 from 3pm to 6pm.

Further information about the Welsford Street Upgrade can be found on Council’s website.