Princes Highway: Cyclists terrified to ride stretch of road where teen was killed

Residents say not enough has been done to fix a treacherous highway in south-west Victoria despite a 15-year-old cyclist’s death three years ago.

Allansford cyclist Teena Jubb says she fears for her children’s lives who use a dangerous stretch of highway in south-west Victoria. Picture: Submitted

Allansford residents say not enough has been done to fix a treacherous highway in south-west Victoria despite an investigation following the death of a 15-year-old cyclist three years ago.

Samuel Chilton died in February 2019 when he was hit by a cement truck when crossing the Princess Highway to enter Zeigler Parade bridge.

A Coroner called for VicRoads and City of Warrnambool to review cycling infrastructure along the Princes Highway-Allansford.

While the City of Warrnambool installed concrete barriers along Ziegler Parade bridge, and the Department of Transport has cyclist signs to warn vehicles on the highway, the section where the fatal accident occurred has not had significant upgrades.

The department says it's planning to make a number of changes to the highway, including rumble strips and widening and resurfacing of the road and shoulders between Panmure and Allansford.

It also says there are improvements planned for the section where the fatality took place, but they are yet to start.

Allansford woman and member of the Cycling Reference Group Carla Milln refuses to ride the Princes Highway into Warrnambool because she fears she will be hit.

“When I'm leaving Allansford – that bridge is just a nightmare. I rode over it this morning, and every time I ride over it, I hold my breath,” she said.

“I just think – I’m going to get hit here.”

The roadside of Princes Highway’s bike lane. Picture: Submitted

The Princes Highway bike lane over the Hopkins River bridge. Picture: Submitted

Regional Roads Victoria said the Princes Highway between Panmure and Warrnambool is one of Victoria’s high-risk regional roads, with 12 serious injuries and two deaths between 2012 to 2017.

Allansford mother Teena Jubb said the highway bike lanes between Warrnambool and Allansford had been in poor conditions for years with overgrown grass, gravel and rubbish covering the roadside.

Ms Jubb said both bridges crossing Hopkins river were dangerous but were the only options for cyclists who ride the highway.

“Legally you‘re probably meant to go over the highway bridge – the rail on the bridge is not that high, so if you were gushed with the wind of a truck going past or something, you could quite easily go over the bridge,” she said.

“The other option is to cross over on the little bridge, going against traffic. That way has always felt the safest option, even though it‘s probably legally not the right one.”

Department of Transport regional director for Barwon South West Michael Tudball said feedback was encouraged by road users including cyclists and pedestrians.

“The death of anyone on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the cyclist who died in 2019,” he said.

“We will continue to work with the Warrnambool council to explore opportunities to improve cyclist safety along the Princes Highway corridor near Allansford.”

A Warrnambool City Council spokesperson said council established the Cycling Reference Group to provide feedback regarding cycling-related issues and initiatives.

“Cyclists have raised concerns about riding over the highway bridge across the Hopkins River near Allansford,” a spokesperson said.

“The highway and this bridge are the responsibility of VicRoads – the group is focused on council roads, paths and traffic management however council may at times provide feedback to VicRoads about issues relating to VicRoads-managed infrastructure.”

Council this year supported the idea of a bike path between Warrnambool and Deakin University, with potential to be extended to Allansford.