Gisborne residents are demanding urgent action after a newly reconstructed intersection reopened without regulatory road signs. They warn the situation is creating confusion and posing a safety risk.
The intersection of Cherry Lane and Swinburne Avenue, beside the Gisborne Children’s Centre, has been open to traffic for almost a week despite works associated with the nearby Rosalia Estate development remaining unfinished.
Resident Tristen Larsen said motorists approaching from Cherry Lane had no indication roadworks were under way, with no warning signs or temporary speed limits in place.
“Road users entering from Cherry Lane would reasonably assume no works are occurring and proceed at the sign-posted speed through the intersection,” he said.
Mr Larsen said while ‘Road Work Ahead’ signs had been installed on Swinburne Avenue and Skyline Drive, they were positioned well before the intersection where there were no active works, making them confusing for motorists.
He questioned why temporary traffic lights had not been installed while the intersection remained incomplete, particularly given the entrance to the Gisborne Children’s Centre is located within the intersection.
Mr Larsen also said the closure of Cherry Lane near Station Road had diverted additional traffic through surrounding streets, increasing vehicle numbers at the unsigned intersection.
Resident Dean Markham said the redesign had created problems where none previously existed and criticised the management of roadworks linked to the Rosalia Estate.
“The road dimensions have been changed and narrowed, demonstrating a lack of logic in the planning, lack of care in the execution and lack of accountability,” he said.
Mr Markham claimed previous stages of the project had caused lengthy road closures and flooding, and said residents had become frustrated by what they saw as a lack of accountability from the developer, contractor and council.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council director of assets and operations Dom Testoni said the intersection remained an active worksite operating under an approved Traffic Management Plan.
“While the new asphalt seal has been laid, the works are not yet complete, meaning the site has not been finalised or handed over to council,” he said.
Mr Testoni said responsibility for traffic management and site safety remained with the principal contractor until the project was completed.
“Council officers have contacted the responsible contractor to follow up on the imminent reinstatement of permanent regulatory signage and line marking.”
Update: Since making enquiries to council, a give way sign has been installed on the Cherry Lane intersection side, and white lines have been painted on the road.