Toppled truck prompts calls for fix

Concerned locals Brandon Davis, Gavin Ashby, Katelyn Howlett and Carly Shorney are calling for a permanent fix. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS 217952_05

By Mitchell Clarke

The Department of Transport (VicRoads) is investigating a “problematic” stretch of Ballarto Road, which has become prone to vehicle topples due to a deep dip at the road’s shoulder.

Frustrated Bayles residents are calling for a permanent fix, after a large truck toppled into a nearby ditch which caused “hazardous liquid” to spill across the road.

The most recent incident occurred just after 11.30am on Tuesday 6 October near Woodman Avenue.

The truck toppled over on Tuesday 6 October. Picture: SUPPLIED

An advice message was sent out, alerting the community to a hazardous liquid spill which had leaked into a nearby ditch, prompting two Hazmat trucks from Warragul and Wonthaggi to assist CFA crews in cleaning up the mess.

Paramedics assessed one person, understood to be the driver, however he didn’t need to be hospitalised.

An onlooker said the driver, who has reportedly been driving trucks for 30 years, was driving below the speed limit when the tanker was swallowed.

The ditch has caused havoc for motorists. 217952_01

Bayles man Brandon Davis, who lives across the road from where the accident took place, said the road was prone to topples.

He said the road, which is next to a drain, was resurfaced about a year ago but the works left a dip in the road’s shoulder.

“We’ve had this happen to four cars and two trucks in about three months,” Mr Davis said.

“People drive down that road and if they move over to the left, one of their tyres is off the road and that’s all it takes. All of a sudden, they’re in the drain.”

Mr Davis and neighbouring residents are now calling on VicRoads to take action by installing a more permanent fix.

Concerned locals Brandon Davis, Gavin Ashby, Katelyn Howlett and Carly Shorney are calling for a permanent fix. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS 217952_05

The Department told the Gazette they were aware of the incident and had responded by installing multiple hazard boards within the drainage wall.

“The safety of all road users is our priority and we are investigating Tuesday’s incident at Ballarto Road,” a Department spokesperson said.

“The cause is yet to be determined – as part of our investigations we will review safety and make improvements if required.”

Mr Davis said he spoke to a VicRoads officer, who visited the site on 14 August after a similar incident.

“After that truck accident, we’re really wanting something to be done here to fix this because it’s just happened far too often to be a coincidence,” Mr Davis said.

“The smartest thing they could do, I think, is to put a pipe in the drain and close it up, then ring up a fence between the road and the footpath to protect those walking. It could be tragic if a truck fell into the ditch and onto a person on the footpath.”

But he said he wasn’t holding out hope for a long term solution.

“It’ll probably just be a bit of a half arsed job again,” he laughed.

“We’re not really the focus of many big infrastructure projects out here in Bayles.”