Call for urgent fix to dangerous stretch of road in Chirnside Park

A CHIRNSIDE Park man is calling for a speed limit reduction and other safety measures on a dangerous stretch of road where he fears someone will be injured or killed.

Ian Harvey is calling for a speed sign along Victoria Rd near Switchback Rd in Chirnside Park to be fixed — and he also says the speed limit should be reduced. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

A CHIRNSIDE Park man is calling for an urgent fix to a dangerous stretch of road where he fears someone will be injured or killed.

Ian Harvey said a 500m section of Victoria Rd, ­between Switchback and Beresford roads, needed to have the speed reduced and an electronic sign fixed.

The Leader reported in November 2015 that a set of traffic lights would be installed at the dogleg intersection of Victoria, Switchback and Nelson roads.

HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think of Mr Harvey’s suggestions? Tell us below.

However, no physical work has been done on the project.

Mr Harvey said an electronic sign, which was installed to flash an alert if the driver was travelling too fast, had not been working for about 12 months.

He said the speed limit there should be reduced from 70km/h to 60km/h.

“I drive down here twice a day and I’ve seen some bad accidents,” Mr Harvey said.

Ian Harvey says he has seen “bad accidents” in the area. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

He said that section of road, including the intersections, had poor visibility and cars being driven at 70km/h increased the danger.

“This problem will only get worse with winter approaching,” he said.

“The speed limit of 70km/h is too high for this built-up area, as these roads also ­service several schools and the local cemetery, and the risk of ­injury to our precious ­children is too great.”

He said Victoria Rd, which runs between Lilydale and Yering, was often used by commuters to bypass Lilydale.

He said the area was very busy with several schools near Beresford Rd, and estates popping up.

“A lot of people would agree Victoria Rd along that section is miles too fast,” he said.

Yarra Ranges Council ­environment and engineering acting director Robyn Mansfield said the traffic lights would be installed ­before the end of the year.

Mr Mansfield said a new turning lane on Switchback Rd into Rolling Hills Rd, also due by the end of 2017, would help address some traffic concerns.

He said the council was conducting a speed ­investigation and any request for a speed limit reduction would be assessed by the council on its merit.

“If we have enough of an argument to justify a speed change, we would approach VicRoads for their recommendation,” he said.