Major overhaul of Southbank thoroughfare to fix accident black spot

After a spate of dangerous incidents, a notorious Southbank intersection will get a safety upgrade. But the overhaul could impact peak hour traffic.

A dangerous Southbank intersection will be overhauled under a $3.8 million safety upgrade.

The works at the City Rd-Power St intersection – which many trucks use for access to the nearby West Gate Freeway – come after five people were injured in a horrific crash in May.

As part of the project, one eastbound lane on City Rd will be removed for a 75m stretch.

The move will enable the westbound lanes (going to South Melbourne market) to be moved to make way for a much wider footpath.

Traffic lights will also be pushed back to allow more room for turning trucks.

The works follow several accidents and near misses involving trucks cutting across the corner as they turn left into Power St.

In May, five people needed hospital treatment after a truck drove onto the pavement and smashed through metal barriers.

Artist’s impression of the new intersection at Power St and City Rd in Southbank.

How the intersection will look when work is completed.

Traffic lights will also be pushed back to allow more room for turning trucks.

The state government initially spent $400,000 on short-term safety measures, including installing concrete blocks, new signs and sensor technology at the lights to shorten wait times for pedestrians and painting the crossing bright yellow.

But in a terrifying incident in July, another heavy vehicle clipped a car and dragged it around the corner.

The overhaul could cause delays for motorists driving in and out of the city on the route in peak hour.

But Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll said the government was “forging ahead” with the upgrade after having worked with the City of Melbourne to find a solution.

“This will transform the intersection, making it significantly better for all road users and a safer crossing for pedestrians while delivering more turning space for vehicles,” Mr Carroll said.

Police investigating the May 6 crash at the intersection in Southbank. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Southbank Residents Association President Tony Penna said: “We have campaigned for this intersection to be made safer for a long time and it’s great to see action on a solution which will contribute to achieving this for our community.”

Victorian Transport Association chief Peter Anderson said: “This road and intersection are a key link for heavy vehicles, particularly those prohibited from using the CityLink tunnels, and these improvements will make it so much easier for truck drivers to navigate the route.”

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the council was “excited” work would soon begin.

Truck driver Frank Rogers, 46, was charged and bailed over the smash that injured five people in May.

Works start next year and should be completed by early 2023.