‘Accident waiting to happen’: confusion surrounding lane lines on James Harrison Bridge

Old lane lines on a busy Geelong road are causing traffic chaos daily, according to concerned residents.

The lane markings on the James Harrison Bridge are confusing drivers.

AT A GLANCE: Accident waiting to happen

Confusing and dangerous leftover lane lines on one of Geelong’s busiest roads are “an accident waiting to happen” as bewildered drivers swerve through the 70km/h zone not knowing where they are supposed to drive.

The solid white lines, at the start of the James Harrison Bridge on La Trobe Tce, cut right through the centre of the thoroughfare’s two lanes. The markings are especially confusing at night as the reflective paint makes them even more defined.

The markings, on the southbound side of the bridge, are the remnants of roadwork at the site.

One Charlemont resident, who drives the road most days, said she had nearly been in several accidents because of the confusion.

“The first time I drove there after the roadworks ended, I went to cross the dotted line and had to veer back into my lane,” she said.

“You have to cross a solid line to stay in between the dotted lines, which is your lane.”

“It goes against a driver’s instinct, it’s just confusing.”

Another time she had to brake suddenly as a car in the left lane nearly veered into her.

“It’s unsafe,” she said.

Drivers say the lanes have caused several near-misses. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Another driver said he had been forced to swerve to avoid a car that swung into his lane because the vehicle had been following the old markings.

“No one seems quite sure where they are supposed to be,” he said.

“It is even worse at night because the reflective paint makes the markings seem even more pronounced.”

“Everyone can see them and so many cars are swerving through that section.”

The man, who has driven the road for years, said he had been thrown off almost every time he crossed the bridge recently because the lines were so prominent.

“It is an accident waiting to happen, so many drivers seem totally confused about where they are supposed to go,” he said. “It’s insane.”

“I can’t believe road authorities haven’t done anything about it, surely they must know it’s there.”

A Department of Transport and Planning spokeswoman said roadworks at the state-managed intersection were not yet complete.

“We’re improving safety at the intersection of LaTrobe Tce and Fyans St and crews will complete these works when weather conditions improve,” she said.

“In the meantime, our crews will inspect this section of road over the coming days to make sure it’s safe for all road users.”

The roadworks are funded by the federal government’s Black Spot Program and will introduce right-turn movements on the northern and southern approaches of the intersection.

Road users can report concerns by calling 13 11 70.

Originally published as ‘Accident waiting to happen’: confusion surrounding lane lines on James Harrison Bridge