Crossing no closer for Brooke Street, Smythesdale

MINIMUM standards have not been met on Smythesdale’s Brooke Street to install a pedestrian crossing, according to Regional Roads Victoria.

RRV officers assessed the road which services the town’s shops, finding a zebra crossing with flashing lights or pedestrian-operated traffic lights were not required considering the traffic and pedestrian count.

RRV Acting South Western Director, Emma Miller-Olsen said the installation of a zebra crossing or pedestrian-operated lights is not the preferred solution.

“We’ll continue to monitor this location to see if any further safety improvements are needed,” she said.

Debbie Chapman lives and trades on Brooke Street. She said Smythesdale needs a crossing, but traffic also needs to be slowed to 40 or 50km/h.

“I’ve witnessed so many accidents here, it’s terrible. It’s just lucky there hasn’t been a cement truck or semi-trailer involved.

“We have elderly people in town and sometimes people have to stop to help them across the road,” she said.

“Sadly, I think it would take a fatality for them to actually do something about it, and that will happen.”

Ms Chapman said assessment should go beyond counting traffic.

“Everything’s congested in the one area. You’ve got the entrance to the supermarket, shops opposite, and an island where cars come out.

“Everything’s in the one spot, and you’ve also got a bend that comes around if you’re coming from Scarsdale, so there’s a blind spot before you actually hit the busy area of people and cars,” she said.

Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle has heard community concerns.

“I will continue working with Regional Roads Victoria and Smythesdale residents to determine what safety improvements might be needed,” she said.