‘Crash’ road rethink

Seven deaths in five years could lead to upgrade works on a notorious stretch of road near Geelong.
VicRoads is seeking public input on how motorists “use” Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road, particularly the stretch between Little River Ripley and Ballan roads.
“Between July 2008 and June 2013 there have been 19 crashes in this section of road alone. Tragically, seven people died,” said VicRoads southwest regional director Mark Koliba.
“The majority of crashes in recent years have involved vehicles crossing the centreline of the road.
“We’re working hard to prepare a proposal that is squarely focused on improving safety, but we need input from the locals that use the road.”
VicRoads had no funding commitment for any upgrade of the road but wanted to develop a proposal for consideration, Mr Koliba said.
The Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road is a direct north-south link between Geelong, Bacchus Marsh and Melton, providing a key freight route between Geelong, Bacchus Marsh and Western Victoria,” he said.
“We are aware of the challenges on this road. There have been far too many crashes, particularly on the 12 kilometre section between Little River Ripley Road and Ballan Road.
Any proposal for the road would be “squarely focused on improving safety but we need input from the locals that use the road,” Mr Koliba said.
His team would host three “information gathering sessions” to help develop the proposal, he said.
“We urge you to come along and have your say.”
The sessions will be: 4.30pm to 7pm on 5 May at Bacchus Marsh Library, 4pm to 7pm on 11 May at Balliang East Primary School; and 4pm to 7pm on 12 May at Northern Bay Secondary College Goldsworthy Campus, Corio.