Yan Yean Rd: Changed traffic conditions catch drivers by surprise

Neighbours along this busy thoroughfare in Plenty say it was a miracle no one was killed when long-awaited roadworks were finally finished. So, just what shocking situation did they find themselves in?

Neighbours along Yan Yean Rd got a nasty surprise after turning right out of their homes, only to encounter road conditions had dramatically changed on July 30. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Motorists leaving their homes in peak-hour drove towards oncoming traffic during yesterday’s opening of a newly-duplicated section of Yan Yean Rd in Plenty.

Uninformed homeowners turned straight into oncoming traffic on the major thoroughfare, after road conditions changed from dual to single carriageway overnight on July 29.

Drivers exiting their homes were supposed to turn left, Yarrambat-bound, and do a U-turn further up the road to access the correct lane.

Furious landholder Peter Todd said Major Road Projects Authority failed to notify residents.

And Major Roads Projects Victoria has apologised for the error, admitting residents were not fully aware of the change in traffic conditions.

“How nobody was killed I do not know,” Mr Todd said.

“Me and all the other neighbours have gone to turn right out of our homes and we’ve gone straight into oncoming traffic.

“I understand there are road works happening and changes need to be made — but why was a change like that never communicated to us?”

Mr Todd said his daughter, who left for work about 4.30am, had driven on the wrong side of the road for more than 1km, before realising traffic conditions had changed.

“I’ve spoken to the neighbours and no one was notified — we are furious,” he said.

“It’s a miracle there wasn’t a serious accident.”

Neighbour Julie Hammond also said she was not informed.

“I was just lucky one of the workers’ vehicles was blocking my driveway so I could see what was going on, otherwise I would have turned right and caused quite a nasty car accident,” she said.

Residents say roadwork on Yan Yean Rd also impacted on local businesses. Picture: Norm Oorloff

“Normally we have been notified about any major road changes in the past, but they failed to do that on this occasion and we’re all confused as to why.”

Major Road Projects Victoria program director Damien Afxentis said a similar incident would not happen again

“Safety is our number one priority in everything we do, so we apologise that in this instance some residents were not fully aware of the change in traffic conditions,” he said.

“We are reviewing all our internal processes and will work with our team to ensure that these shortfalls don’t happen again.”

Nearby residents have also voiced concerns about how ongoing road works at Yan Yean Rd have impacted on local businesses and even damaged vehicles.

Intersection upgrades at the Diamond Creek Rd, River Ave, Memorial Dr, Browns Lane, Kurrak Rd and the council’s Recycling and Recovery Centre now include traffic lights and signalised pedestrian crossings.

MORE: MERGER PLAN REJECTED AT FIERY COUNCIL MEETING

COUNCIL MERGER RAISES ALARM BELLS

VICROADS’ HIGHWAY TRAFFIC JAM-BUSTER FAIL

While major construction is complete along the stretch of road between Diamond Creek and Kurrak roads, crews will continue to work on landscaping, wildlife protection and restoration of the old church at Plenty Heritage Park.

Stage Two Yan Yean Rd works will now ramp up between Kurrak and Bridge Inn roads.

[e-mail]