RAA Study of Victor Harbor Rd shows path to safety
The RAA says it knows where the highest priority hot spots are on one of the state’s deadliest roads.
SA News
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A detailed study of one of the state’s deadliest roads has identified priorities for intersection upgrades, new safety barriers and lower speed limits.
The RAA has conducted numerous site visits to Victor Harbor Road hot spots this year to assess safety issues and listen to road user and community feedback.
Fifteen lives have been lost on the road since 2011 and more than 310 people have been injured, many seriously.
RAA road safety expert Charles Mountain said, in the same period, there had been a 38 per cent increase in traffic on the road.
“The key recommendations that should be committed to within the next 12 months are making sure planned overtaking lanes south of Mount Compass are of sufficient length and include mid-road wire rope barriers,” Mr Mountain said.
“Widening the road south of Mount Compass for safer shoulders, wider lanes and a centre lane with a mid-road wire rope barrier (is a priority).
“Also needed is a roundabout at the intersection with Goolwa Road.”
The state government has plans for improvements to the northern end of the road, which is used by 26,000 vehicles a day.
The safety upgrades will be finished before the end of 2023, with designs released last month for public feedback.
The duplication of Victor Harbor Road, between Main South Road and Main Road, McLaren Vale, is planned.
But the RAA wants to see upgrades between Mount Compass and Victor Harbor.
Mr Mountain said there were many places where road shoulders should be sealed and widened.
He also said there needed to be immediate planning and preparation for the future duplication of the road all the way to Mount Compass, with wire rope mid-road barriers along the length of the duplication.
Mr Mountain said a community survey showed driver behaviour, lack of overtaking opportunities, traffic congestion and poor road maintenance were among motorists’ greatest safety concerns on Victor Harbor Road.
“Most of the 1080 survey respondents commented that speed limits were too high along sections of Victor Harbor Road, which is why we have also recommended an extension of the northern 80km/h speed zone in Mount Compass,” he said.
“We also recommend an extension of the Mt Compass 60km/h speed limit zone by 100m north to improve safety at the intersection with Tay Road.”
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