By Lachlan Moorhead
THE lack of funding set aside in last month’s State Budget for the installation of turning arrows at a congested Hallam intersection is a missed opportunity, according to Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan.
Mr Donnellan has called on the State Government to fund turning arrows at the Princes Highway and Fitzgerald Road intersection in order to curb the amount of accidents that occur at the site and reduce traffic.
The intersection already has turning lanes but no turning signals.
Mr Donnellan said there had been 12 injury accidents at the intersection from 2008 to 2013.
“A turning arrow would mean less time wasted for local residents who find themselves stuck at the intersection at peak times,” Mr Donnellan said.
“In the past few years there have been 12 injury accidents at this intersection and over 37,000 vehicles travel along this stretch of the Princes Highway every day, including 1380 trucks,” Mr Donnellan said.
“Cars stack up in Fitzgerald Rd and Hinrichsen Drive at peak times trying to turn into the Princes Highway, causing frustration and safety concerns for drivers.”
VicRoads Metropolitan South East Regional Director Adam Maguire said turning arrows at the Hallam intersection would be considered in future proposals.
He said VicRoads receives many requests each year for modifications to intersections throughout Victoria, with requests prioritised based on the “extent to which such a treatment would improve safety and congestion at the intersection.”
“VicRoads considers factors such as the number and type of vehicles using the intersection, the need to cater for pedestrians, the historical safety record of the site, the impact that treating the intersection would have on the performance of the surrounding road network and the implementation costs.
“Any improvement proposals for this location, including fully controlled right turns from Fitzgerald Road and Hinrichsen Drive into Princes Highway, will be considered for funding in future programs.
“VicRoads will continue to monitor safety and traffic operations at this intersection to determine the need for any future improvements.”
