A dangerous Koroit intersection with poor visibility has been made safer with the installation of new advanced warning signs.
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The enhanced warning signs with flashing lights replace a smaller give way sign at the Penshurst-Warrnambool Road, also known as Southern Cross Road, and Mailors Flat-Koroit Road intersection.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan visited the site on Wednesday to announce the new measures.
Mr Donnellan said accidents were caused by a ‘see-through effect’ where drivers travelling north could not see the upcoming intersection, only the continuation of the road ahead.
The sign which was operational on Friday, was installed 200 metres south of the intersection to warn drivers on the Penshurst –Warrnambool Road of the upcoming intersection and to reduce speed.
Flashing lights are activated as approaching traffic is detected.
Mr Donnellan said in the past three years there had been three crashes at the intersection, two resulting in serious injuries.
“These signs will significantly raise awareness of this dangerous intersection and help ensure that everyone on the roads arrives at their destination safely,” Mr Donnellan said.
Concerned Southern Cross Road resident Leon Carey, who has lived on the corner of the intersection for 16 years, welcomed the new signage.
“You can notice the difference already with the speed of the cars approaching the intersection,” Mr Carey said on Friday, only hours after the sign was turned on.
“There’s been quite a few accidents, quite a few near misses and a lot of lucky escapes I suppose.
“A lot of them are caused by those travelling north to south and hitting people travelling east to west and ending up in a paddock. It could have saved someone’s life already. You don’t know.”
Mr Carey estimated three to four accidents occurred at the intersection per year. He said a lot of traffic used the roads including large transports and milk tankers.
“Anything that’s going to stop an accident is a good thing,” Mr Carey said.
Moyne Shire mayor Colin Ryan also commended the warning system.
“It’s good they’re addressing safety issues in the shire,” he said. “That was an intersection that needed improvement.”
Koroit police Sergeant Pat Day has attended accident scenes at the intersection and hopes it will reduce the number of crashes at the site.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Sergeant Day said. “It’s been a problematic intersection for a long time.
“Anything that’s going to help people negotiate the intersection, slow them down and make it safer is great,” he said.