The government will invest $315,000 for new pedestrian operated signals at Railway Place to help pedestrians cross the busy Northern Highway.  

The signals are expected to be operational in 2015.

 Elmore Progress Association president Bruce Anderson said the announcement was "fantastic".

"The progress association and community have wanted a safe crossing for years," he said.

"To finally get the okay, I can't believe it." 

He said Elmore's increasing traffic in recent years had put the crossing high on the association's agenda. 

"We have so many elderly people and schools nearby that are in danger every time they cross," he said. 

He believed the crossing would be a traffic light system which would stop cars with a red light, but said he would be happy with any intervention which would make crossing safer for pedestrians.

"We really didn't know what to expect when we set out with the petition, we just hoped something would make the traffic stop," he said.

He said he was unsure what exact month the works would begin on the crossing next year.

"In all the excitement, I forgot to ask whether it will be happening in January, February or December next year," he said.

"It's just great that finally it's going to happen." 

Liberal candidate for Bendigo East Greg Bickley welcomed yesterday's announcement. 

"It is great news that there will be a safe crossing point on the highway," Mr Bickley said.

"Pedestrians will have right of way to traffic following nearly a decade of lobbying by local residents." 

VicRoads will begin work on the planning and design stage for the crossing, including working with electricity providers to make power available for pedestrian signals.

Mr Bickley said people had contacted him about crossing the road.

He also received a 500-signature petition from Elmore Progress Association at a recent community morning tea.