Macedon Ranges Shire councillors will next week consider a recommendation to lower speeds at a section of Three Chain Road in Newham from 100km/h to 80km/h.
The council commissioned an independent road safety audit for the site where it intersects with Egans Lane and Dons Road, following a fatal crash there in February.
Dom Testoni, council’s director of assets and operations, said an update regarding the intersection was expected at the upcoming April meeting of council.
“I can confirm that it includes a recommendation from council to the Department of Transport and Planning to lower the speed limit along the section of Three Chain Road immediately surrounding the intersection to 80km/h with the exact distance to be confirmed by DTP (as the ultimate decision-makers),” he told the Express.
Mr Testoni said the update would also include the latest investigations, actions and advocacy efforts, and recommendations.
Residents have welcomed news of progression in finding solutions to improve the intersection’s safety.
Newham resident Jo Thompson said the news was welcome but hoped residents could have input to the process.
“We welcome this news, but we want to be certain that the changes that come are considered and in our community’s best interests, like where council places the 80km signs,” Jo said.
“Our lived experience of accidents on this road, places us in a position to offer real input.”
Fellow Newham resident Anita La Forgia said residents were interested to know what the audit recommended.
“That detail would help form a long-term approach to fixing this very serious problem,” she said.
Newham resident Kerri Ritchie stressed that Three Chain Road remained “very dangerous”.
“It is being used by B-doubles, there is nowhere for trucks to pull off, there are potholes and the wear and tear is horrifying,” she said.
“Council owns this road, has responsibility for it. They now need to look at this entire road.”
The matter will be is expected to be discussed at the next meeting of council on April 22.
