February 22, 2010
VicRoads will not make any engineering changes to the controversial intersection of Lakes Tyers Beach Rd and the Princes Highway, following a meeting with Federal MP Darren Chester.
Mr Chester met with senior VicRoads officials this week to highlight the concerns of more than 100 local residents who had contacted his office to demand changes to the intersection design.
Mr Chester said the meeting was ‘blunt and to the point’ but VicRoads was refusing to budge. He has now asked VicRoads to review the speed zones in consultation with local residents.
“In summary, it is VicRoads’ view that the new design is completely safe and motorists are going to have to get used to the changes,” Mr Chester said.
“During the meeting, I strongly criticised VicRoads for its failure to consult with residents before undertaking such a major change and expressed my view that the intersection was more dangerous now than it was before work started.
“In particular, I referred to heavy vehicles turning left onto the highway, moving at slow speeds, and interacting with traffic which could be legally travelling at 100km/h.
“I also emphasised the increased use of the intersection by vehicles towing large boats and caravans during holiday periods and the difficulty in safety negotiating the new ‘T’ intersection.”
Mr Chester said the VicRoads officers advised that the work at the intersection was part of a Victoria-wide program to redevelop 61 ‘Y’-style intersections into ‘T’-style intersections.
“VicRoads claimed that there was insufficient room to have a ‘slip’ road on this intersection and that they have carried out on-site inspections; reviewed the overall design; commissioned an independent safety assessment; and formed the belief that there are no engineering issues,” Mr Chester said.
“I’m disappointed with the response and told the VicRoads staff that I believe it’s only a matter of time until there is a serious accident at the site, directly related to the work that has been undertaken. Residents are reporting near misses on an almost daily basis but VicRoads believes it has acted appropriately.”
Following the meeting, Mr Chester has written to VicRoads and formally requested a review of speed zones in the vicinity of the intersection, in consultation with residents.
“If VicRoads is not prepared to change the design of the intersection, it may be necessary to slow down the vehicles on the highway as they approach Lake Tyers Beach Rd,” Mr Chester said.
“I’m seeking feedback from motorists and will forward any comments to VicRoads. I’ve also forwarded all correspondence on the subject to the Victorian Minister for Roads to highlight the depth of concern among people who use the road on a daily basis.”