Turn in turn off

By Callan Date
A HALLAM trader says major road works outside his factory will create more problems than solutions.
Pro-Am Australia owner Norman Small wants VicRoads to make adjustments to the road changes being implemented near the corner of his factory on Hallam South Road and Keppel Drive.
Mr Small said motorists needed more room when trying to complete a right hand turn into the block of eight factories.
He also wants a left hand turning lane into the factories altered to give drivers more notice of the upcoming turn off.
“I have been fobbed off by VicRoads twice on the issue and now they are saying what is in place will be OK,” Mr Small said.
“We have eight factories here and we are all trying to run our business but these road changes are causing us grief already.”
Frustrating Mr Small even more is the fact that body corporate members sat down with VicRoads during the design phase of the road works and worked out what was in the best interests of the factories.
“Already we have had customers telling us that they don’t know how to get access to our factory because they have changed the entry points.”
The works are part of an upgrade to the notorious Hallam South Road and Keppel Drive intersection.
Traffic lights have been installed and were switched on for the first time late last week.
VicRoads regional director Steve Brown has defended the road works.
He said the design for the driveway into the factories was done in conjunction with the body corporate to make sure it met safety standards.
“While Hallam Road heading north is only one lane at this location, it is wide enough for other vehicles to move safely around trucks waiting to turn,” Mr Brown said.
“Some trees which were limiting visibility for those turning in and out of the driveway were removed, and the speed limit was lowered from 70kmh to 60kmh.
“VicRoads lowered the gradient of the land between the kerb and the property to improve visibility for turning vehicles,” he said.