BENDIGO councillors will decide tonight whether to establish a two-way service road along the Calder Alternative Highway, with Marong residents saying it’s a last-ditch bid to address safety concerns.
The move to include two-lane access on the eastern side of the highway has been raised by local residents but denied by VicRoads on multiple occasions.
In a motion to be voted on at tonight’s council meeting, councillor Elise Chapman said VicRoads needed to reconsider their stance.
“It’s not as safe or free-flowing as it should be,” she said. “There needs to be changes.
“Hopefully we get enough councillors in support.”
Marong Community Action Group president Bert Roberts said without two lanes in the service road, the redevelopment would create a significant safety hazard.
“We believe that it’s going to create a possible incident, with trucks doing U-turns,” he said.
Mr Roberts said tonight’s decision would be “the last stand” to resolve the issue.
“I’m hoping we have sufficient councillors onside. I believe this is our last step. Otherwise we’re going to be stuck with the plans forever and a day.”
Roadworks on the stretch of highway are already underway, with VicRoads regional director Mal Kersting saying the suggestion for two-way service roads would not be appropriate or viable.