Winchelsea intersection gets summer safety upgrade

FEEDBACK from emergency services, the Surf Coast Shire and the community has spurred safety works on a “notorious” intersection near Winchelsea.

In late December, VicRoads has set the speed limit on Cape Otway Road to 60kmh for 400 metres approaching the intersection with Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Road.

Additional line markings and yellow reflective raised pavement markers have been installed to prevent cars from crossing onto the wrong side of the road, and to raise awareness of the intersection on approach.

VicRoads south-west regional director Mark Koliba, said a 60kmh speed limit had been successfully implemented at the intersection during the busy 2016/17 holiday period.

“When the speed was set at 60kmh on approach to this intersection last year, there were no crashes reported and we received feedback from drivers supporting the safety measure.

“These safety measures will make a big difference to this notorious intersection during this busy period, until we can find a more permanent solution.”

VicRoads has also reduced the speed limit on the approach to the Midland Highway and Clyde Hill Road intersection near Bannockburn as part of a key measure to improve safety at the site.

The intersection has been identified as a high crash zone, with two serious crashes and one fatality recorded in the past 18 months.

To improve safety for everyone travelling this section of the highway, the speed will be temporarily reduced from 100kmh to 80kmh for about 200 metres on both approaches to the intersection.

The works will immediately bolster safety for vehicles crossing the intersection, while further investigation works for a long-term solution are carried out.

VicRoads’ Road Safety Team will continue to work with the community to identify the best option to improve the long-term safety of the intersection.