Market days at Barnawartha North are proving dangerous for both trucks and cars, drivers say
Truck drivers are urging authorities to upgrade an intersection on the Murray Valley Highway leading to the Barnawartha North saleyards, near Wodonga.
They say poor visibility, particularly during periods of fog, and a tight turning area could prove to be fatal problems.
Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters’ Association vice president Kevin Keenan has called the intersection “short-sighted” and recently led a meeting of drivers and local authorities on the issue.
Wodonga police and highway patrol, VicRoads, Worksafe Victoria, and the Wodonga City Council were all invited to take part and hear from drivers using the saleyards.
Ideas floated included traffic lights, a wider road for more turning space, and a reduced speed limit to 80 km/h.
A spokesperson from Worksafe Victoria confirmed its representative had inspected the site.
“WorkSafe is aware of concerns raised about the management of traffic in and around the sale yards at Barnawartha North,” she notes.
“WorkSafe is continuing to work with VicRoads, Victoria Police and industry representatives to resolve the issues.”