Thousands sign petition to protect Picton Rd memorial

An eye-catching roadside memorial dedicated to a father tragically killed in a fatal Picton Rd accident may be relocated after being deemed a safety risk by Roads and Maritime Services.

The roadside memorial for Goulburn man Adrian 'Ado' Ryan, who passed away in a fatal head-on collision on Picton Rd in 2017.

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An eye-catching roadside memorial, dedicated to a young father tragically killed in a fatal Picton Rd accident in 2017, may be relocated after being deemed a safety risk by Roads and Maritime Services.

Goulburn 32-year-old Adrian ‘Ado’ Ryan lost his life in a head-on truck collision on March 24, 2017, with his friends and family erecting a personal and permanent reminder to treasure his memory two years ago.

Goulburn man Adrian 'Ado' Ryan, who passed away in a fatal head-on collision on Picton Rd in 2017.

The roadside tribute, which includes the key, gauges and switches collected from the truck wreckage, stands about 1.6m tall and is polished and weeded once a fortnight by Ado’s father.

Friends of Ado Ryan at his Picton Rd memorial.

Two days ago, close friend Will Bush was shocked to learn from a RMS staffer that the polished memorial had become a safety concern.

“She basically told me that it (the roadside memorial) has got to go, either relocated (5km) up the road or moved to private property like my house an hour and a half away,” he said.

“I can see where they are coming from but it just doesn’t make sense to move it.

“It’s just someone’s decision to make the road safer. Its never going to happen, Picton Rd will never be safe.”

More than 5000 people have signed the online petition in the first 24 hours.

Mr Bush, who woke Ado up the morning of the fatal collision in 2017, said the tribute held a special place in the hearts of the Goulburn man’s friends and family.

“I drive past it nearly every day and every time I go past I give a toot and the hairs stand up, mostly because it reminds me of that morning (of the fatal collision).”

An online change.org petition was launched overnight and has already attracted more than 5500 signatures.

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RMS southern regional director Sam Knight said she understands the importance of the roadside memorial and is committed to finding a suitable solution.

“RMS understands and respects the importance of this memorial site, however we have real concerns for the safety of those who are pulling over on the side of the road to visit,” she said.

“We will always do whatever we can to help grieving families and friends pay respects to there lost loved ones. As such we have offered the family a number of options including moving the memorial to a nearby safer location.

“We will continue to meet and work closely on finding a suitable solution for them.

“RMS will carry out safety upgrade works on that stretch of road in the near future.”

To view the petition, click here.