The announcement comes after lobbying from Avenel Action Group, State Member for Northern Victoria Tania Maxwell, Strathbogie Shire Council and State Member for Euroa Steph Ryan.
Since meeting with the Avenel Action Group at Parliament in February, Ms Maxwell has been advocating for further action to address community concerns regarding accidents and near-misses at the freeway exit.
Ms Maxwell was briefed by RRV on September 4 about the results of the assessment which reinforced the need for additional safety measures.
RRV reported that more than 1000 vehicles use the exits of the Avenel section of the freeway each day, with 660 vehicles using the Jones St exit and 400 on Tarcombe Rd. About 17,200 vehicles travel through the area every day.
Ms Maxwell doubted the intersection would be replaced with an overpass and said she would be following up in the weeks ahead regarding the proposed alternatives.
She praised the Avenel Action Group for its persistence and said she would continue to work with the group on the safety measures and other issues they raised with her.
“The Avenel Action Group has worked hard to gain attention to this issue and I’m pleased RRV has committed to exploring options for improving safety at this intersection,” she said,
“I will be following up with RRV regarding the proposed solutions.”
Avenel Action Group president Jeff Moran thanked council, local members of parliament and the wider community for continuing the fight to have something done at the intersection.
“We’re delighted there has been some movement to resolve the issue that’s been going on for a long time,” he said.
“We know we won’t get an overpass like we wanted, but a speed limit reduction would be terrific.
“Our group is very concerned about the intersection and everyone would hate for a serious accident to be the catalyst for change.”
Ms Ryan said it was “about time” RRV acknowledged there was a safety issue at the intersection.
Regional Roads Victoria north eastern regional director Steve Bowmaker said RRV was considering a range of recommendations, including a road signage review to ensure there were clearer directions for drivers on all approaches to the intersection.
“Road safety is our number-one priority and that’s why we’ve acted on community calls to undertake a road safety review of the Hume Fwy intersection at Avenel,” he said.
“Further safety improvements will be considered pending updated traffic counts at the intersection after COVID-19 travel restrictions ease.”
13°C