Woodend’s notorious Urquhart/High Street intersection was the prime concern for respondents to a transport study for the town.
The intersection near Coles supermarket made up 37 per cent of the 67 submissions to the Woodend Integrated Transport Study survey.
Users of the intersection contend with main street congestion, a confusing layout with several turning points and high volumes of traffic accessing service hot spots including the town’s only supermarket and train station.
Complaints about the intersection traffic had been persistent since Coles re-positioned itself at the busy corner in November 2018.
The transport survey returned bicycle/pedestrian concerns as the second most commonly raised, making up 25 per cent of feedback. Bus hours/bus stops made up 18 per cent of feedback and eight per cent was attributed to school-related traffic.
Key issues raised include Forrest/High Street intersection safety and truck issues, Gem Life Resort bus stop, pedestrian movements along Old Lancefield Road, pedestrian movements along Templeton Street, and general bicycle/pedestrian movements throughout the town.
The transport study is a joint venture between Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Department of Transport to strategically review changes experienced since the Calder Freeway bypassed the town.
Aims of the study include identifying gaps and opportunities between current infrastructure and community expectation.
Following community workshops, council officers and a consultant will review the feedback and prepare a draft of the study.
The study will include a list of prioritised recommendations for improvement.
A draft report will be considered at the council’s November scheduled meeting.
