Engineers take down more signs as they investigate shocking collapse on Tullamarine Freeway

More overhead signs have been removed from Melbourne’s road network as pressure mounts on VicRoads to explain why a moving car was hit and crushed on the Tullamarine Freeway.

Engineers on Sunday night took down two more overhead signs from Melbourne’s road network as pressure mounts on VicRoads to explain why a moving car was hit and crushed on the Tullamarine Freeway.

Crews have so far removed seven signs, including the first that collapsed last Tuesday, as part of an ongoing safety inquiry into the accident.

But Acting Premier James Merlino yesterday said the public should be assured there was no threat to human lives.

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“Let me be clear, if there was any immediate risk those roads would have been closed,” Mr Merlino said.

“(The signs) have been removed for closer inspection as a precautionary measure.

“Similar signs, similar construction and similar installation — so it’s appropriate they are being removed for closer inspection.

“We’ll be looking at other gantries on other major roads over the next week or two.”

The sign fell in front of the car before collapsing back on to the vehicle and crushing most of it. Picture: 9 News

The signs removed last night were on CityLink and the West Gate Freeway.

Initial testing is yet to show any evidence they were in poor condition or stressed.

VicRoads engineers decided to remove three signs on Saturday night because they were built by CPB Contractors — the same company behind the faulty gantry — and they had similar structures. Other signs built by the same contractor remain in place.

Crews will work around the clock this week as they continue to investigate and perform safety checks at freeway sites.

In total, 60 gantries across Melbourne will be checked.

Transurban Major Projects Victoria program director David Clements said all 17 gantries along the Tullamarine corridor had been inspected but the cause of the crash was not yet known.

“We are working through with engineers conducting some reassessment and re-engineering of that original design of that sign’s connections,” he said.

“There is also detailed material testing that is being conducted.”

An independent review was launched after 53-year-old Nella Lettieri’s car was crushed by a falling sign on Tuesday afternoon.

— with AAP