Safer crossing a sign of the times

AFTER been installed for just under a month, Smythesdale’s safer crossing signage between the Thru the Gate and Rustic Edge cafes at the Glenelg Highway have been removed.

The twin signs were put up by Lin Hocking-Turnbull at the start of February, after which she was prompted to take them down by staff at VicRoads, who plan to reduce the road’s speed limit from 60kph to 50kph.

She said she wanted to see more pedestrians using the curb extension between the cafes for shorter walks across the road.

“I was seeing people crossing nearly at the bend going from the supermarket to the post office,” she said.

“There’s a hell of a lot more traffic than there used to be, and it’s silly. We’ve got this slightly better zone and people just didn’t realise or didn’t think to use it.

“It’s also worked in our favour because we found out the council and VicRoads are actually going to do something.

“I think they were worried it was going to be a distraction and people would think it was a pedestrian crossing even though it hasn’t got a zebra crossing.

“I took them down in good faith and to do the right thing if we’re going to get a 50 km/h zone. Every little bit helps.”

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson confirmed the speed reduction is in the works.

“With safety at the forefront, we’re currently assessing a proposal for a safer speed limit of 50kph on Brooke Street in Smythesdale,” the spokesperson said.

“Already 77 lives have been lost on Victoria’s roads this year. We urge everyone to look out for each other on the roads and drive responsibly.”

Signage for the speed reduction is set to be installed within the next six weeks as part of Golden Plains Shire’s Northern Streetscapes Project put forward to the Department.

The project also includes a potentially formalised pedestrian crossing for the site, and the municipality’s director of infrastructure and environment Phil Josipovic said although the speed reduction is confirmed, details for a crossing have yet to be.

“As part of its proposal, council requested a speed limit reduction to enhance pedestrian safety at the proposed crossing points,” he said.

“The Department, as the responsible road authority for the Glenelg Highway, reviewed this request and has recommended a reduced speed limit from 60kph to 50kph. Council also supports this recommendation.

“The final step in the process is to enact the change by installing the new speed limit signs, which will be undertaken shortly by the Department.

“With respect to the pedestrian crossings, further consultation with the community will be undertaken, and detailed designs and costings will be developed before construction is set to begin in late 2023.”

The Northern Streetscapes Project also proposes beautification and road safety works for Linton and Scarsdale, with a framework plan adopted during council’s April meeting last year.