Brumby Government urged to install turning lane at quarry to deal with trucks entering and leaving the area
By Brad Gardner | May 10, 2010
The Brumby Government is being urged to install a turning lane on the Calder Highway after concerns were raised over potential incidents between trucks and cars.
Swan Hill MP Peter Walsh says existing conditions at the Charlton Bluestone on the highway south of Charlton are inadequate.
He says the quarry sits on the side of a hill, restricting the line of sight for passing traffic and trucks entering and leaving the area.
“Drivers of northbound traffic cannot see the turning trucks or the oncoming traffic until they have crested the hill, leaving very little time for either driver to respond,” he says.
Walsh, who is also the deputy leader of the Victorian Nationals, claims motorists are forced to stop in the middle of the highway until trucks can turn or must drive on unsealed road to overtake heavy vehicles.
“An improvement in the turning lane is urgently needed to ensure the safety of vehicles using the Calder Highway,” he says.
ATN has contacted the office of Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallas for comment.
Following the release of the Victorian Budget last week, Pallas cited a $1.5 million investment in new traffic lights at the intersection on the highway and Golden Square – Long Gully Road.