The Australian government has announced $6.7 million in funding to improve road safety across Canberra through the 2026–27 Black Spot Program. The initiative targets 17 high-risk locations identified as accident-prone areas, with upgrades planned over the next 12 months to reduce crashes and improve traffic conditions.
The funding will support a range of infrastructure improvements, including road widening, installation of mast arms, upgraded signage, speed limit reductions, and traffic calming measures such as speed humps. One of the largest allocations includes $1 million for upgrades at the intersection of Hindmarsh and Yamba Drives in Garran, while other sites in Gungahlin, Dickson, and Ainslie will also receive targeted safety improvements.
The Black Spot Program is a long-running federal initiative designed to identify and fix dangerous road locations using relatively low-cost interventions that have proven effectiveness in reducing serious accidents and fatalities. Projects are selected based on recommendations from local consultative panels that include community stakeholders and transport experts.
Officials emphasized that the program plays a key role in improving road safety outcomes across the country by addressing infrastructure risks before they lead to severe incidents. The latest round in the Australian Capital Territory reflects continued investment in preventative safety measures rather than large-scale road reconstruction.
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain stated that the upgrades will significantly enhance safety across identified sites and encouraged further community participation in nominating future black spots for consideration.
Alicia Payne, Chair of the ACT Black Spot Consultative Panel, highlighted the importance of collaboration between local stakeholders and government agencies in selecting priority locations. She noted that the program ensures funding is directed toward areas with the highest safety impact based on expert assessment and community input.
The announcement forms part of Australia’s broader national road safety strategy, which continues to invest in infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing road trauma and improving transport reliability across urban and regional areas.
