Ballarat residents call for improvement to fatal Bunkers Hill intersection

A 24-year-old woman is the latest victim of an accident at a notorious intersection in Ballarat. Now the first person on the fatal scene speaks about the danger zone.

One of the cars involved in a fatal crash in Bunkers Hill on June 27.

A resident of an infamous Bunkers Hill intersection says drivers need to take more care at the crossroads and changes should be implemented on the roads to increase safety.

In response to a fatal crash on Monday, many people have taken to social media to express their desire for improvements to be made at the intersection of Finchs Road and Greenhalghs Road.

A 24-year-old woman died in the collision, and a child remains in a critical condition.

The road opened about 2pm on Tuesday after the vehicles were removed.

The second vehicle from the crash.

Sandy Beach was first to arrive at the scene, close to her home.

She said the intersection was dangerous mainly due to human error and felt it could be improved by adding rumble strips on the approach from Finchs Road.

“The last two accidents, people have been coming from Colac and they just follow Google Maps from Colac,” she said.

“Apparently this is the shortest route, but not the safest route.

“Wind your window down, use all your senses – that’s what it’s about.

“If you don’t know the area, concentrate on where you’re going and what you’re doing.”

A reduce speed sign on Finchs Road before it intersects with Greenhalghs Road.

Ms Beach thought the speed limit could be further reduced.

“It was 100km/h but I had it reduced to 80,” she said.

“It should be 60km/h — people don’t even drive to 80.

“They floor it, absolutely floor it.

“It’s only dangerous if you’re not paying attention — all people see is the other end of the road and just keep driving.”

She said signs were adequate: coming along Finchs Road from the south, there is a reduce speed sign before a give way sign and associated road markings.

The intersection of Finchs Road and Greenhalghs Road.

One woman on social media said the fatal incident was “absolutely terrible” and the crossroad “desperately needs upgrading”.

“My fiance had an accident there two months ago with similar circumstances, someone failed to give way and they collided at 100km/h,” she said.

“I was holding our four-week-old baby when I got the phone call.

“Thankfully, everyone survived.”

Others suggested clearing the intersection of branches above the give way sign, a suggestion with which Ms Beach rejected.

“It’s a terrible intersection!” another social media user wrote.

“Thinking of all involved.”