The intersection where the Northern Hwy and Raywood Rd meet has long been a concern for residents.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
A petition calling on the Victorian Government to review the safety of one of Elmore’s most dangerous intersections has recently been tabled.
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The intersection where the Northern Hwy and Raywood Rd meet has long been a concern for residents.
Large B-double trucks frequently pass through the intersection while delivering wheat to the bunkers along Raywood Rd or travelling towards Echuca, often mixing with regular traffic.
With the popular Elmore Bakery located on the corner of Clarke St and the Northern Hwy, traffic in the area has only continued to grow.
Elmore Bakery owner Nathan Bowes said there had been many close calls at the intersection.
“Over the years, our business has grown, which means a lot of people, and we're right on the corner,” he said.
“There's just been a lot of close calls because there are caravans and trucks and people calling in for us, and it's just turned into a bit of a nasty intersection.
“We're just as concerned as the rest of the community. It's a dangerous intersection, but whether there's a solution to it is up to people that are paid a lot more than me.”
The petition, tabled in parliament by state Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad, received 600 signatures calling for a review.
The petition noted serious safety risks, as the road was a “major artery for long-haul cargo, livestock transport and heavy farm machinery”.
The petition called on the government to urgently review the safety of the intersection, consult with residents and prioritise safety improvements at the site.
Long-time Elmore residents Gwenda Using, Daryl Dobell, Gwen Eames and Maureen Comer.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Long-time residents Maureen Comer, Gwen Eames, Daryl Dobell and Glenda Using, who frequently visit the bakery, said the intersection had become increasingly difficult to navigate.
According to Mr Dobell, the issue has intensified in the past five years because of trucks travelling to the bunkers, causing a “kerfuffle” when motorists meet at the intersection.
Mrs Comer added that many drivers pulling out from the bakery on to the highway drove too fast and had “no regard for the intersection”.
The group also said traffic was even worse on weekends and public holidays, making it almost impossible to enter the intersection or cross from Raywood Rd to Clarke St.
With the petition now tabled, a response is expected from Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne by Friday, March 20.
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