RELATED: Trams struggle to connect
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RELATED: Roadworks to start on McCrae Street
Bendigo Heritage Attractions say intersection upgrades designed to help traffic flow in the Bendigo CBD have hindered them further.
In January, VicRoads completed on the intersection at McCrae and Chapel streets last year – works involved increasing the capacity of some turning lanes to help improve traffic flow.
The intersection of McCrae and Chapel streets is one of the intersections tram drivers highlighted as a problem intersection last year.
Tram drivers said they were often left stranded at intersections where a single tram track coincides with a right-hand turning lane.
Car drivers that approach the right-hand turning lane but get stuck at the red light then block the tram tracks while waiting for the next green arrow.
Bendigo Heritage Attractions chief executive Peter Abbott said the organisation did not believe the upgrades had helped solve tram driver’s issues.
“The main issue at the intersection is that it’s okay to let cycle of cars clear but the cars that still drive into turning lanes (are a problem),” he said.
“We need a way of stopping cars going into the turning lane to stop lane being filled.”
VicRoads regonal director Mal Kersting said intersection upgrades in Bendigo would help traffic flow.
He said works completed at the intersections of McCrae and Chapel streets, and Mitchell and View streets would improve safety and ease congestion.
“We've added and extended turning lanes, put in new line markings, and changed traffic light sequences to make the intersections easier to navigate for everyone,” he said.
“We will continue to work with City of Greater Bendigo and Bendigo Tramways to understand the needs of the community including trams.
“We appreciate the challenges that both tram drivers and other road users face when navigating shared spaces on our road.”
Mr Abbott said Bendigo Heritage Attractions had met with VicRoads recently and continued to lobby for solutions.
“We are trying to offer solutions to move cars out of the turning lane before the tram comes through,” he said.
“Whether that is signage or variable message boards, we want to keep talking about that issue.
“Trams go (through Bendigo) in either direction every 15 minutes through the day, so it isn’t unusual to seem them.”
Mr Abbott said many local drivers were aware of the trams on the road but still followed the painted markings.
“Just because those painted arrows on the road are doesn't mean you should wait in those lanes. You can (sit in front of a tram),” he said.
“It is an ongoing issue. We understand it is not an easy solution but we are talking to VicRoads regularly.”
Mr Kersting said works at the corner of High and Short streets would include introducing a new turning lane and altering traffic light sequences.
“Works are (also) planned for the High Street/Don Street intersection early 2018, and will involve an extended turning lane,” he said.