Reason behind Tullamarine Freeway sign collapse revealed

This terrifying footage shows the moment a sign collapsed on the Tullamarine Freeway, almost killing a Melbourne woman. Now the disturbing reason behind it can be revealed.

A sign that crushed a car on the Tullamarine Freeway had not had mandatory safety checks as authorities vow stricter safeguards will be enforced to protect all drivers.

The final report into the January 8 incident has promised increased surveillance of subcontractors, strengthening of top-mounted signs installed when the Tulla was widened and greater scrutiny of how signs are designed.

A statewide audit of signs like the one that fell has found no more safety issues across the network.

The final report — provided to the Sunday Herald Sun — confirms the falling sign and two others were missing crucial steel “stiffener” plates in their gantries designed to strengthen the connection.

A review of Builder CPB Contractors identified weaknesses in its quality control with required inspections of equipment not carried out.

It meant the Tullamarine sign developed a large crack which grew over time.

A dashcam image showing the sign after it fell on the Tullamarine freeway. Picture: Channel 9

A dashcam image showing the sign after it fell on the Tullamarine freeway. Picture: Channel 9

CPB — which is also one of the lead builders on the $6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel project — will introduce new measures to stop future safety breaches.

Offsite contractors will be more closely monitored and “hold points” set up during construction to check standards are being adhered to.

It is unknown if the company or CityLink operator Transurban will face penalties over the sign’s collapse.

Nella Lettieri, 53, whose car was struck, is suing Transurban and VicRoads for damages.

She said it was horrifying to think safety inspections had been skipped given so much infrastructure was being built across Victoria.

“It could have been so much worse. That’s what is most scary about it,” Ms Lettieri said.

“At the moment I take two steps forward and three steps back. Every time I hear about another accident the memories all keep flooding back.

“I just hope that no one else has to go through that.”

Nella Lettieri miraculously survived a huge freeway sign crushing her car. Picture: David Caird

Her lawyer, Tony Carbone of Carbone Lawyers, said it was vital all road users were protected from such serious failings.

“This time it was lucky that no one was killed,’’ he said.

“The safety of the public is paramount and it could have been anyone in her situation.​

“Whoever put this up should be held accountable. There should be some penalty at the very least.”

Transurban program director for major projects David Clements said it took safety seriously and had taken additional steps as a result of the investigation.

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The signs built during the CityLink Tulla Widening project will be strengthened so they last for 100 years.

“We expanded our initial signage audit to a project-wide design review and site inspection of all ​ overhead and road side assets built by CPB Contractors as part of the CityLink Tulla Widening Project,” Mr Clements said.​

“These inspections have not identified any ongoing public safety concerns and we are ​

committed to working with government and industry to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

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