AN EPSOM intersection has been included in the top 10 roads where road safety issues exists following an RACV survey.
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The RACV released the results of its My Country Road Survey on Monday. More than 4000 Victorians took part in the road safety survey.
The Howard Street-Midland Highway intersection was included at number 10 on a list of roads that ahve perceived road safety issues.
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In February, Epsom businesses called for improvements to the intersection to cope with expected traffic increases resulting from planned business developments in the area.
Road authorities also said they were looking at ways to improve the intersection following a crash that left two children injured.
The Princes Highway from Stratford to Bairnsdale in East Gippsland took the number one spot.
City of Greater Bendigo presentation and assets director Brian Westley said the Midland Highway-Howard Street intersection is managed by the Department of Transport on behalf of the state government.
"Given this intersection is not managed by the City of Greater Bendigo, we have passed on previous community feedback to the department for its consideration," he said.
"The City has identified an upgrade at this intersection as a high-priority and will continue to advocate for investment at this location."
It is estimated 12,000 vehicles use the Midland Highway per day, of which 23 per cent are heavy vehicles.
A Department of Transport - Loddon Mallee spokesperson said will continue to work with the City of Greater Bendigo to address any concerns raised by the community on future development implications for this intersection.
"The Department of Transport will continue to monitor and to look at ways to improve safety at this intersection, both short and long-term," the spokesperson said
"Recently, we upgraded the traffic sequencing to allow for a longer right-hand turn signal from Howard Street to the Midland Highway, which has improved safety and traffic flow."
As well as the Epsom intersection, other Northern Region roads of concern for Victoria were the Melbourne-Lancefield Road, Clarkfield in the Macedon Ranges and the Gisborne Road-Bacchus Marsh Road between Gisborne to Bacchus Marsh.
RACV's executive general manager of motoring and mobility Phil Turnbull said the local knowledge that came fromm survey respondents was invaluable.
"The number of responses received for each road is a good indicator that Victorians think these roads need improvement," he said.
"As a safety advocate, it's important that RACV closely examines what Victorians think are the factors contributing to less safe conditions, so we can provide that information to government to help inform their planning. We also asked for possible solutions."
Solutions put forward in the survey responses will be presented to the state government. Among the top solutions were road maintenance, speed limits and more bicycle infrastructure.
"Sixty-one per cent of respondents believe the speed limit on the selected roads should be reduced until improvements or upgrades have been made, highlighting that many Victorians believe reducing the speed on certain regional roads to address safety concerns is an appropriate approach," Mr Turnbull said.
"In terms of bicycles, on many roads there is a growing need to provide some form of separation between bike riders and vehicles, particularly on high speed rural roads without a suitable sealed shoulder."
Top 10 roads with perceived road safety issues according to RACV My Country Road Survey:
- A1 Princes Hwy, Stratford to Bairnsdale (West), East Gippsland/Wellington
- C151 Deans Marsh-Lorne Rd, Benwerrin, Surf Coast
- B380 Warburton Hwy, Woori Yallock, Yarra Ranges
- B420 Phillip Island Rd, Sunset Strip, Bass Coast
- C126 Queenscliff Rd, Mannerim, Greater Geelong
- B360 Maroondah Hwy (Black Spur), Healesville to Narbethong, Yarra Ranges
- C119 Skenes Creek Rd, Skenes Creek, Colac Otway
- C777 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Merricks, Mornington Peninsula
- C785 Coolart Rd, Mornington Peninsula
- Howard St/B300 Midland Hwy intersection, Epsom, Greater Bendigo
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