More signage is required at the intersection, locals say.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Residents have taken to social media to voice concerns over the safety of an intersection on the Murray Valley Hwy.
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Lorenzs Rd, which runs north-south from the Broken Creek east of Numurkah, terminates at an intersection with the Murray Valley Hwy about 2km from Strathmerton.
Just 2km east lies the intersection with Labuan Rd, the scene of a deadly crash that in April last year resulted in the deaths of five people, including local woman Deborah Markey.
The single lane road is speed limited to 100km/h, according to residents, while the nearby Labuan Rd is capped at 80km/hr.
Someone who goes by the name of Rod Matthews said in a post to the Cobram 3644+ Facebook page that the risks were essentially similar between the Lorenzs and Labuan Rd intersections.
“A simple change to a large rectangular STOP sign major intersection with graphics painted on the road prior to the redundant rail hump would reduce the risks of another fatality,” Matthews said in the post.
Several commenters to the post, including someone who goes by Michael Stubberfield, raised concerns for motorists approaching the intersection.
“I live opposite this intersection and can confirm it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Have personally witnessed many close calls and near misses,” Stubberfield said.
Residents are calling for action to be taken to address their concerns about safety at the intersection of Lorenzs Rd and the Murray Valley Hwy.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
“In one occasion two young girls overshot the intersection they ended up bogged in the table drain 80-100m up Ruttles Rd (opposite Lorenzs). From our house we hear vehicles lock up breaks approaching the intersection on a regular basis. There is a school bus pick-up point on that corner also.”
Others highlighted potential solutions to address the safety concerns.
“It’s not a bad idea maybe to cement-in reflective signs giving early warning and possibly reflective paint stripes on the road to resemble rumble strips. That could be a good start,” someone who goes by Cassandra Martin said.
The state Department of Transport and Planning has responsibility for managing the intersection — including its speed limit and signage.
In response to an inquiry by The Courier, Moira Shire Council chief executive Matthew Morgan said council was aware of safety concerns around the Lorenzs Rd intersection.
“We are working with the Department of Transport and Planning to look at all roads across our region and prioritising where improvement works are required as part of our long-term asset planning,” Mr Morgan said.
“We’re currently investigating road usage levels on some of our roads, and as part of this program we’re looking at placing traffic counters on Lorenzs Road to get detailed information on the traffic patterns.
Moira Shire Council chief executive Matthew Morgan said council was aware of safety concerns at the intersection.
“Road safety is a priority for our community, and we are committed to continuing the proactive work we’ve started to improve safety across regional and rural roads in our shire.
“We’re continuing to develop our Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan, which has been informed by feedback from last year’s community survey. We’ll keep the community informed as work progresses on this.”
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