By BRIDGET COOK
A PEARCEDALE man has called for the urgent installation of a roundabout to reduce collisions at what he describes as a dangerous intersection.
The call came as two cars collided at the Westernport Highway and Robinsons Road intersection on Monday about 4pm.
Local resident Vince Coleman has now renewed calls for VicRoads to construct at roundabout at the intersection, despite it undergoing an upgrade in 2012.
In the five-year period to June 2011, there were 14 casualty crashes there, which prompted VicRoads to take action to upgrade it.
The upgrade included provision of channelled right-turn lanes and a left-turn lane on Western Port Highway, splitter islands on Robinsons Road, and upgraded intersection lighting.
However Mr Coleman said the intersection was still a problem and a roundabout was needed.
“There was a collision there on the weekend,” he said.
“There have been so many deaths and crashes at that area that something needs to be done.
“They decided to widen the road and put in turning lanes, but it still causes traffic to bank up when a car is turning.
“The biggest problem is that there’s a stop sign there, but people are always in too much of a hurry and don’t wait the three seconds they are meant to.”
Mr Coleman said it was an issue which affected all the residents in Pearcedale.
“If you lose one life then it’s a tragedy for the whole community.”
VicRoads Metropolitan South East acting regional director Frank De Santis said given the $1.64 million road safety improvement project at the site, there were no plans to install a roundabout at the site.
“VicRoads will continue to monitor the site and evaluate the need for any other improvements as part of future road programs,” he said.
