The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is undertaking a detailed review of the road conditions at “Forestec corner” in Kalimna West after representations from local State and Federal MPs, Tim Bull and Darren Chester – on the back of a spate of wet weather accidents.
The two MPs met with first responders last year and wrote to State Roads Minister, Melissa Horne, who put in temporary speed reductions and committed to the wider assessment.
Mr Bull and Mr Chester pointed out to the Minister almost all of the accidents had occurred in wet weather, but were advised by DTP an interim inspection found “the road surface and drainage at this location both appear to be functioning as expected”.
The more in-depth review committed to by DTP will see consultation with relevant stakeholders and road safety partners, including local police. It is understood in the case of some accidents, driving at inappropriate speeds in wet conditions has been a contributing factor.
Mr Bull said the number of accidents in this specific location in wet conditions is too great for there not to be an underlying issue and he was pleased the detailed review had been committed to get to the bottom of the problem.
Mr Chester added, “for too long our emergency services first responders have been called to this location in wet conditions and it is clear a permanent remedy is required to ensure the spate of accidents does
not continue.
