Safety concerns raised over Portarlington intersection redesign

A LOCAL advocacy group has expressed deep concerns about the safety of a newly redesigned intersection at Point Richards Road and Portarlington Road, which was modified to accommodate the Panorama Estate development.

Friends of Ramblers Road Portarlington (FoRR) coordinator Sue Cairns voiced the community’s worries about the safety measures and the consultation process.

“Residents were not adequately consulted regarding the intersection’s redevelopment,” Ms Cairns said.

“This intersection is being redesigned due to a housing estate development with over 300 houses proposed to be built. Once construction starts, traffic volumes will increase significantly.”

Residents fear that the intersection, still under construction, poses a significant danger to both vehicular traffic and pedestrians.

“Point Richards Road leads to the Point Richards boat ramp, which has recently undergone significant expansion and development over the past few years,” Ms Cairns said.

“In summer and during public holidays, the volume of traffic exponentially increases, and the parking at the boat ramp overflows onto the illegal parking on the nature reserve.”

FoRR believe that the current traffic count, used as the basis for the redesign, is outdated and not reflective of the actual traffic conditions, especially since Portarlington has become much busier.

“The traffic count used is out of date and not a good indicator of current peak traffic. Portarlington is far busier now. A revised and current traffic count must be undertaken,” Ms Cairns said.

The group has reported two serious collisions at the intersection last year, underscoring their call for immediate action to prevent further accidents.

“These issues should be addressed before it takes a fatality to have something done,” Ms Cairns warned.

Among the measures FoRR advocates, are reducing the speed limit to 60kph on Portarlington Road and installing traffic lights at the intersection.

“We are of the opinion that traffic lights are the obvious solution, as all traffic would be stopped to allow these larger vehicles to negotiate,” Ms Cairns said.

FoRR is urging local authorities to reconsider the design and management of the intersection to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all road users.

The group has contacted the City of Greater Geelong and the Department of Transport and Planning but feels their concerns are not being taken seriously.

While the upgrade to the intersection was funded and managed by the developers of Panorama Estate with input from the City of Greater Geelong, the Department of Transport and Planning is the ultimate responsible authority.

Department of Transport and Planning executive director Michael Bailey said safety was paramount.

“Safety is always our number one priority, and we welcome community feedback about ways we can improve our roads.”

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said she was looking into it.

“Immediately after the community expressed their concerns regarding safety, I sought further information regarding the intersection upgrades,” Ms Marchant said.

“I take road safety very seriously and will continue to liaise with appropriate departments and responsible authorities.”