By Shelby Brooks
The speed limit on the Princes Highway will drop from 100km/h to 80km/h along two three-kilometre stretches in response to several serious collisions.
The stretch of road between Tynong Road North and the Gumbuya World entrance and between Hope Street and Abeckett Road will be reduced to 80km/h later this month.
The announcement comes as the State Government investigates medium and long-term solutions to improve safety along the Princes Highway at Tynong North.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said planning work would focus on implementing future infrastructure to make the intersection at Gumbuya World safer.
“We know the Princes Highway is a significant route for locals, freight operators and tourists, especially those who visit Gumbuya World,” Mr Carroll said.
“The number of severe crashes and fatalities along this section of the Princes Highway is too high, which is why we are carefully considering medium- and long-term solutions to help reduce road trauma and save lives.”
But Brad Alden-Brown who owns Rankins Nursery next door to Gumbuya World questioned why the speed reduction didn’t include Garfield North Road.
“It doesn’t make sense if they don’t include Garfield North Road because that’s the second access point to and from Gumbuya World,” he said.
“I hope the long term solution will be an overpass.”
The decision to make a speed limit change was made alongside road safety partners, including Road Safety Victoria, Cardinia Shire and Victoria Police – deemed a necessary measure to prevent crashes or reducing the impacts when they do occur.
“We understand the need for a speed reduction and look forward to a long-term solution to improve safety for our community along this stretch of road,” Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen said.
Around 30,000 vehicles travel along the two identified sections of the Princes Highway per day, one quarter of them being heavy vehicles.
Between 1 July 2015 and 20 April 2021, there were 35 crashes, including five fatalities.
Almost 75 per cent of the crashes have occurred at intersections.
With two of the fatalities occurring in January and March of this year, it is crucial planning for future upgrades begins as soon as possible to improve safety and save lives.
The Department of Transport will continue to monitor traffic conditions in the area while investigations are underway.
