Concerns have been raised over the relocation of a pedestrian crossing point near the Romsey Road/High Street intersection at Woodend where two children were struck by vehicles.
The two separate incidents in April saw already active campaigns for safety improvements to the busy site ramp up.
In July, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced more than $179,000 towards relocating the crossing away from the High Street intersection with footpaths and pedestrian fencing.
Residents felt encouraged by news for initial improvements but were eager to see what more would be explored.
Since then, Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group’s sub-group for transport action has questioned plans for the crossing relocation, as well as current speed limits and lack of formal infrastructure.
Transport Action Group leader and experienced planner/engineer, William McDougall, said there was a lack of detail around what was proposed and the description given so far raised serious concerns.
The group is calling for a proper pedestrian crossing that clearly gives pedestrians priority over traffic.
“If the crossing point is relocated further east, it will make pedestrians walk significantly further to cross the road,” he said.”As a qualified and experienced traffic planner and engineer, I’m well aware that diverting pedestrian routes in this way can often force users to avoid the diversion to walk around any fencing that might be provided.
“Also being further away from the High Street intersection, vehicles will be travelling even faster at this crossing point than the existing one.
“There is no mention of introducing speed limit reductions. There is also no mention of how the crossing point will be treated. If it’s like the existing one, there are no road markings to identify it as a pedestrian crossing, either as a zebra or wombat crossing.
“Urgent action is needed. Narrow misses are frequent, and traffic dominates the scene.”
Mr McDougall said a pedestrian refuge crossing was advocated for as a short-term priority in Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s 2022 Integrated Transport Plan for Woodend but no works had been carried out.
He said the Romsey Road entry to Woodend was dangerous and suggested lower speed limits and a roundabout as part of a potential solution. Ideas of removing the northbound overtaking lane up the hill from Woodend Primary School was also raised.
A Victorian Government spokesperson told the Express the crossing relocation was to improve safety for pedestrians by having them cross the road further away from the intersection.
“These are important works designed to improve safety for all road users,” they said.
“This new location will reduce conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians – improving visibility and making it easier for pedestrians to know when it is safe to cross, stop, or slow down.
“We’ll continue to provide updates to the community as planning progresses on these safety improvements in Woodend.”
The Express understands the Department of Transport and Planning is currently reviewing the existing 60 km/h speed zone.
A government spokesperson indicated further safety improvements at the site, like a wombat or zebra crossing, would be considered once the works to relocate the pedestrian crossing were complete.
They said key stakeholders, including nearby schools and bus operators, would be consulted about further improvements following works to relocate the pedestrian crossing.