By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Two drivers have died in nine months on what Star Journal readers have described as a “dreadful” and “dangerous” section of Monash Freeway.
A 28-year-old Cranbourne East man was killed after a crash with a truck in the outbound lanes between Heatherton Road and South Gippsland Freeway about 4pm on Tuesday 9 March.
Moments earlier, his car had been involved in a minor crash with another vehicle.
The man died at the scene.
In June, a man died when his car and two trucks crashed in the same section of freeway.
In both cases, Star Journal readers criticized the roadway.
“My heart goes out to all involved. This is a dreadful section of road and it is unsurprising that such a tragedy has occurred,” a reader wrote after the most recent fatality.
“That section of freeway is dangerous. Something ought to be done before it happens again,” another said.
“I hate that location of the freeway. Very dangerous for everyone,” was another comment.
In June, other readers commented on the difficulty in merging onto the outbound lanes from Heatherton Road.
“You have to negotiate getting across two lanes of traffic to merge onto the freeway while others are cutting across you to get to the (South Gippsland Freeway) exit.
“There is a very short amount of road for everyone to find their lane. It needs a solution ASAP.”
According to Department of Transport statistics, there had been two fatalities and 26 serious injuries on the section since 2015.
There had been 51 other minor crashes.
A Department of Transport spokesperson said: “Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic incident.”
“We are working closely with Victoria Police to investigate the factors that contributed to the incident.”
An extra lane in both directions had been added in this section as part of Stage 1 of the Monash Freeway Upgrade.
Police are investigating the crash.
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au
