Driven round the bend: Melbourne roads and intersections we loathe

These are our most notorious roads and intersections that are causing havoc for motorists.

The intersection at Liardet Street and Bay Street, Port Melbourne is one of the city’s worst, according to an RACV survey. Picture: David Caird

A major arterial road through Melbourne’s northwest has been voted the city’s most dangerous road, according to a major RACV survey.

Mount Alexander Rd between Ascot Vale and Essendon was considered the most unsafe stretch, while its intersection with Keilor Rd was rated the worst intersection.

The RACV’s My Melbourne Road survey assessed 5000 motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users for their safety concerns on the city’s road network.

Dandenong Rd in the inner southeast was identified as the second most unsafe road, followed by the notorious Sydney Rd in Brunswick.

Mount Alexander Rd between Ascot Vale and Essendon is considered the most unsafe stretch of road in Melbourne. Picture: David Caird

Other major findings include:

• Complex intersections were the top of motorists’ gripes;

• One in three respondents wanted lower speeds on the roads they use;

• Many solutions, such as zebra crossings and better ­located traffic lights, were low-cost and easy to ­implement; and

• Cycling safety was identified as a major concern. Even roads part of the city’s Strategic Cycling Corridors were regarded not safe enough for riders.

The T-junction of Wellington Rd and Dorning Rd in Narre Warren East. Picture: Google Maps

RACV Head of Policy James Williams said the most vulnerable road users – cyclists and pedestrians – were highly represented in the feedback.

“Intersection safety was the area of greatest concern, followed by unsafe behaviours of other drivers, such as speeding and erratic driving,” Mr Williams said.

“The survey results suggest that unsafe driving was heightened in congested ­traffic.

“These findings are a ­reminder that investment in road infrastructure is critical to improving safety,” Mr Williams said.

Sydney Rd in Brunswick is often on surveys detailing Melbourne’s most dangerous roads. Picture: David Caird

The third most-dangerous intersection was the notorious T-junction at Wellington and Dorning roads in Narre Warren East.

The junction has a blind downhill bend with a 100kmh limit on Wellington Rd and was the site of a three-car crash last November that claimed the life of a 19-year-old motorist.

Parents and managers at the nearby Little Joey’s Early Learning Centre have often raised their concerns about the black spot.

Little Joey’s director Emma Robinson said the junction was “an absolute disaster’’.

“We’ve been campaigning and had petitions going but it feels like no one is listening to us. With 80 children every day, that’s 160 trips by parents in and out. And our 30 staff.’

“The accident last year happened outside our babies’ room and we were first responders on the scene,’’ Ms Robinson said.

The Haymarket roundabout at the top of Elizabeth St just north of the CBD was also singled out for criticism in the survey.

“This roundabout regularly confuses motorists, which is amplified by the fact it also has a tram line through it and it used by people unfamiliar with the area (as it is right by Royal Melbourne Hospital),” a respondent said.

The roundabout in Essendon North where Keilor, Bulla, Mt Alexander and Lincoln roads meet was described by respondents as a “nightmare intersection’’.

“Even locals struggle with all the ins and outs let alone drivers unfamiliar with the area,” one said.

The survey results follow its preliminary findings in April and come after RACV’s My Country Road survey last year, which identified safety concerns on 31 regional roads.

The report said that through advocating with ­government for change, 16 regional roads have either been upgraded or works planned.