VicRoads investigating urgent calls for action on deadly Warburton Hwy

Seville East students have to dash across four hazardous lanes of traffic on Warburton Highway, where motorists reach speeds of 90km/h, to catch their school bus. Here’s how locals want the road made safer.

Seville East residents want immediate safety improvements to Warburton Highway. There have been nine crashes on this stretch of the road in five years. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Schoolchildren are being forced to dash across four lanes of traffic on a busy Seville East highway where motorists are doing up to 90km/h every day.

Parent Joel Supple fears his two children are dicing with death on their way to school, and has labelled Warburton Highway between Peters and Douthie roads a “death trap”.

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“My kids along with many others have to decide to run or stay in order to reach the 483 bus stop across the road,” he said.

“At least 50 school kids cross that highway every day and there is nowhere for them to cross safely.

“They’re just sitting ducks in the middle of that highway while drivers are thundering past at 90km/h — it’s got disaster written all over it.”

There have been nine crashes on Warburton Highway between Peters and Douthie roads from January, 2014 to May 2019 — and the alarming statistic included a death just last month.

A 54-year-old man died in the three-car crash, and Mr Supple said he had seen at least three more incidents since the April 4 fatality.

Mr Supple said designated turning lanes were needed to prevent further traffic hazards when cars were turning out of and pulling into Peters, Stuart, Sunnyside, Douthie roads and Old Warburton Highway.

Traffic is difficult to dodge on the Warburton Highway.

“There is a lot more traffic coming through this area now and this stretch of the road seems to give people the green light to put the foot down on the pedal,” he said.

“A lot of people are getting hit from behind when turning off the highway and when pulling out in front of traffic.”

Mark Hayden, who was involved in the fatal three-car incident, also called for the road to be fixed.

“The accident was a very traumatic experience for me,” he said.

“The overall condition of the road is very poor, right from the surfacing and lighting to safe crossings and designated turning lanes.

“And with so much traffic on the road daily it’s simply not able to cope with demand anymore.”

Mr Hayden, who fractured two bones in his neck, did not wish to speak in detail about the tragic incident last month.

VicRoads metro south east region manager Sasha Yarwood said investigations had been launched into improving the road’s safety.

“We’re investigating a number of options to improve safety at the Warburton Highway and Sunnyside Road intersection, including dedicated turning lanes, changes to reduce the risks of rear end crashes,” he said.

“While there are low numbers of pedestrians crossing at the intersection, we’re reviewing whether any improvements can be made to make it safer for pedestrians.”

Evelyn state Liberal MP Bridget Vallence said the stretch of road needed urgent attention.

“We know Warburton Highway in Seville East is dangerous,” she said.

“I have listened to residents, police and CFA volunteers and have written to the roads minister

seeking an assurance that funds will be allocated in the state budget.”

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