Newham residents are seeking urgent safety improvements to avoid another tragedy at a notorious stretch of Three Chain Road.
The Egans Lane intersection was the site of a fatal collision, which claimed the life of a Macedon Ranges man and injured another, earlier this month.
While police continue to investigate the cause of that crash, residents say the intersection has long been a danger point.
The 100km/h road intersects with Egans Lane and Dons Road at the base of a hill that reduces visibility and driver reaction time.
Residents living nearby the intersection have assisted at countless road incidents to warn traffic, call emergency services and, in some incidents, even freeing people from vehicles.
Living at the top of the hill for the past 45 years, Sue and Steve Branch have seen more accidents than most.
“We hear a bang at the bottom of the hill and we know we have to start slowing traffic down,” Sue said.
“Our biggest fear is that there would be more people barrelling down the hill. We stop traffic at the top and slow them down so that they are not collecting the accident. We feel like it’s our job now.
“One of the most dangerous situations at the intersection is when people coming down the hill, wanting to turn onto Dons Road, must stop to give way to oncoming traffic, and if a truck is coming up behind them, then there’s nowhere to go.”
The road has long been used as a transport route, connecting the Calder to the Hume Highway. However, school buses, farm machinery and increased local drivers are also navigating the off-set intersection regularly.
The corner of Egans Lane also serves as a bus stop for many local school children.
Newham parent, Anita La Forgia, said it was “a very scary feeling: sending your children somewhere where it is not safe”.
Local resident Jo Thompson said changes needed to be made to ensure the safety of all road users.
“It’s not just a transport route. I think the speed needs to be reduced to reflect the uses of the road,” she said.
“There have been so many accidents but there has been no suitable action to address this.”
Suggestions for upgrades include lowering the speed and installation of safety signals (east and west of the intersection) that flash when cars approach the crossroad.
Macedon Ranges mayor, Cr Kate Kendall, said the council was listening to the community and would investigate possible intersection improvements.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected by the fatal collision in Newham, as well as the broader Macedon Ranges community grieving at this time,” she said.
“Following this incident, officers have already undertaken further site investigations and continue to review any possible improvements to the intersection.
“Some roads have limitations to further physical improvements due to the pre-existing topography of the roads and vegetation.
“Historically, council officers have reviewed this intersection on multiple occasions and works have occurred in the past to add intersection improvements to both Egans Lane and Dons Road including rumble strips. Intersection warning signage currently exists along Three Chain Road on the east and west approaches.
“Speed limits in Victoria are all governed by the Department of Transport and Planning, and council works with them regularly to assess and determine speeds on council-managed roads.
“Council will continue to listen to the community and, where possible, look at future safety improvements and funding opportunities for these.”
