BENDIGO Tramways will appeal to VicRoads next week to redesign the intersection of Don and High streets, which continues to cause headaches for tram drivers and motorists.Bendigo Tramways manager Jos Duivenvoorden labelled the intersection “dangerous” and said an upgrade was overdue.Mr Duivenvoorden said the main issue was cars entering the intersection to turn right into Don Street. “The traffic lights create a huge problem by forcing cars to stop on the tram line,” he said. “Cars often enter the intersection when they shouldn’t because they’re confused about the road rules and they then block the tram’s route. A proposed change for the Don Street intersection.“It’s a confusing situation for everyone and makes tram drivers and motorists frustrated.” In a concept design to be presented to VicRoads, Bendigo Tramways has called for a new lane to be added to the intersection beside the tram line.“From our perspective, the ideal thing to do would be to make a new turning lane that doesn’t stop on the tram tracks,” Mr Duivenvoorden said.Bendigo motorists have also argued that the intersection needs to be upgraded and said it had become a source of road rage.Motorist Ruth Barkla recently saw a tram driver stop his tram at the intersection to abuse passing cars.“The tram driver proceeded to block the intersection with his tram before delivering another tirade,” Mrs Barkla said.A Facebook page called “fix this intersection” has been created with and features proposed changes to the turning lane.“As far as dangerous and frustrating intersections go, this has to be one of the worst in the nation,” the page read. “The right-turn arrows placed on the tram tracks are not in accordance with the Road Safety Act, which prohibits cars from stopping or driving on tram tracks.”Mr Duivenvoorden said VicRoads had not acted on previous design proposals.“It’s an issue we’ve been trying to get fixed for years,” Mr Duivenvoorden said.“We’ve had multiple discussions with VicRoads but from their perspective it’s not as high a priority as other danger areas they need to commit funding to.”VicRoads regional director Mal Kersting said the intersection had already been improved as part of the Bendigo Box project.“Traffic lights at this intersection are set to detect approaching trams travelling in both directions along High Street,” Mr Kersting said. “This allows for any right-turning traffic in front of a tram to clear the lane. VicRoads will continue to monitor the operation of this intersection and others along the tram route.”Bendigo Tramways said the re-design, if approved, would take at least 18 months for plans, costing exercises and roadworks to be completed.