Alesha Capone
TARNEIT is home to three of five intersections which have the highest rate of traffic accidents within Wyndham, according to VicRoads statistics.
VicRoads figures released to Star show the top five crash hotspots within the municipality, across the five years until the end of 2009.
Topping the list was the intersection of Sayers and Tarneit Rds in Tarneit, with 27 accidents.
To help improve safety, there have been rumble strips and advance warning signs installed.
In addition, traffic lights will be put up during the 2010/11 period.
Next on the crash list was Boundary Rd and Palmers Rd in Truganina, where a new roundabout has recently been built, with 25 collisions.
The intersection of Sayers Rd and Morris Rd in Tarneit came third with 22 crashes, followed by Hogans and Tarneit Rds in the same suburb, at 19 collisions.
Both spots have traffic lights.
Fifth on the VicRoads register was Heaths Rd and Morris Rd in Hoppers Crossing with 13 accidents.
Wyndham Transport Advisory Committee chairman Jim Giddings said Wyndham’s fastgrowing population made the traffic situation a challenge.
“It’s a number of things, you’ve got rapid growth and motorists get frustrated because of gridlock,” he said.
Mr Giddings said the main traffic priority for many Wyndham residents would be fixing a notorious Hoppers Crossing intersection.
“The first one which comes to mind is the intersection of Forsyth Rd and Old Geelong Rd. That’s a fatality waiting to happen there,” he said.
“At night or if it is raining it’s even worse, because of the lack of street lighting.
“If it’s raining, because of the poor lighting, it’s difficult to see the line markings, which is why I say it’s a fatality waiting to happen.
“VicRoads have put the speed down to 60 kilometres an hour, but it’s only a bandaid solution and bandaids are not a solution for a growth area.”
VicRoads have committed to upgrading the spot but said funding was allocated on a statewide basis.
A VicRoads spokeswoman said in partnership with Wyndham City Council and Victoria Police, VicRoads monitors roads to identify sites that experience safety issues.
