An independent safety review of a Kyabram intersection has revealed that drivers have been “electing to drive on the wrong side of the road”.
A safety audit commissioned by Campaspe Shire Council for the Breen Ave, Cooma Rd and Bolitho Rd intersection in Kyabram has recommended a change to ensure safety of drivers and pedestrians.
The safety of the Breen Ave, Cooma Rd and Bolitho Rd intersection was first brought to the attention of council in June by a community member.
In July, a meeting was held at the intersection by the Kyabram Deakin Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Development Group with RoadSafe Goulburn Valley executive officer Bill Winter to inspect the road.
The main issues brought up by the ratepayers’ group and Mr Winter were the “confusing” position of the island that divides three lanes and the position of the ‘keep left’ sign, which they said failed to accurately direct traffic due to its positioning.
In response to community concerns, council engaged in an independent safety review of the intersection, which saw council officials observe the unsafe nature of the road themselves.
Council acting director of infrastructure Ben Van Zey said staff and contractors observed drivers electing to “drive on the wrong side of the road” through the intersection.
“We’ve had staff and contractors standing to the side of that intersection, in hi-vis gear, and there has been little to no care for the safety of contractors or staff in these instances,” he said.
The inspection comes at an opportune time, with the imminent completion of the long-awaited Breen Ave shared user path, which runs through the confusing intersection.
The island, which is the cause for the confusion according to the ratepayers’ group, was changed due to the incoming walking track, which needed to allow for a pedestrian crossing gap between the connecting paths.
“When the Breen Ave path is completed, families, children and members of the public are going to be crossing at that intersection and everyone needs to be safe,” Mr Van Zeyl said.
Mr Van Zeyl said the goal of changing the intersection initially was to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.
“We know there have been changes to that intersection that force people to slow down but they have been made for a reason,” he said.
“With the Breen Ave shared user path soon to be completed, there will be a lot more pedestrians crossing this intersection, and it is imperative that people slow down and abide by the road rules.”
On August 27, council announced that the independent safety audit recommended the addition of a third island on the east side of Cooma Rd, prior to the intersection.
Pedestrians will be instructed to give way to oncoming traffic with the addition of signage and the inclusion of yellow holding rails with reflectors to be installed at the entrance and exit of the shared user path.
Council said it was also exploring the possibility of adding reflectors and extra lighting, along with relocating the existing ‘keep left’ sign.