Portarlington residents say intersection is ‘accident waiting to happen’

A number of locals who are disappointed with a newly constructed intersection say it is an “accident waiting to happen”.

Portalington residents Sue Cairns (front), Rose Davies, Alice Willee, Russell Kenner, Ray and Sharon Sacco, Cameron de Carolis, Milton Grey, Rachel Antonik and Jane Morgan. Road. Picture: Brad Fleet

A number of Portarlington residents say a newly constructed intersection is “an accident waiting to happen”.

The intersection, at Point Richards and Portarlington roads, is associated with the Panorama housing estate development where more than 300 houses are proposed to be built.

Sue Cairns, who is the leader of a community group comprised of people from Ramblers and Point Richards roads, said more safety measures needed to be put in place to prevent a potentially fatal crash.

Ms Cairns says there should be a roundabout or traffic lights implemented at the intersection to increase safety.

The construction of the new intersection has resulted in added turning lanes and a traffic island.

Newly constructed intersection and road design associated with the Panorama Estate at the corner of Point Richards Road and Portarlington Road. Picture: Brad Fleet

“There is a bus stop opposite the housing estate and a street light with a little island, and that is so people can come from the bus stop and come across the busy road to get to the housing estate,” Ms Cairns said.

She said lanes had also become more narrow.

Ms Cairns said it would be “dangerous” and “a nightmare” when an influx of vehicles towing caravans and boats arrived over summer.

“It’s going to be very hard for anything, including boats, to turn right from Point Richards Rd and head towards Geelong,” she said.

A truck turning right in the wrong lane from Point Richards Rd heading towards Geelong. Picture: Supplied

“I feel that people need to know that the residents of Portarlington are very concerned that it is going to be an accident waiting to happen and someone could get severely hurt,” she said.

Panorama development manager, Lisa Thompson, said they facilitated the designs on behalf of the transport despartment, which were then approved by VicRoads.

0Portarlington Panorama estate at the corner of Point Richards Rd and Portarlington Rd. Picture: Brad Fleet

“We don’t dictate to Geelong council or the Department of Transport and Planning, they guide us,” she said.

“From our perspective, we are doing all the necessary work and seeking all the necessary approvals and going through all the checks and balances to ensure that we are building the best intersection that we possibly can within the requirements that we’re being asked to.

“We’re building what is required of us and we are certainly trying to ensure the best outcome for the community.”

Executive director at the Department of Transport and Planning for Barwon South West, Michael Bailey, said safety was always its number one priority.

“We welcome community feedback about ways we can improve our roads,” Mr Bailey said.

Originally published as Portarlington residents say intersection is ‘accident waiting to happen’