Concerned residents fear Grubb Rd tragedy

URGENT calls are being made for safe pedestrian access on Ocean Grove’s Grubb Rd before a tragedy occurs.

The busy 80km/h stretch of road is the only access point for the growing Oakdene Estate to Ocean Grove’s main schools and shopping districts.

A lack of footpath or safe pedestrian access as well as dense shrubbery on either side of the single-lane road means people have to walk on the shoulders of the road.

Anxious residents believe its only a matter of time before someone is killed.

Robert Tot was one of the first to move into the growing Oakdene Estate about four years ago. He said, initially there were discussions for access either through neighbouring Kingston estate or a walkway on Grubb Rd, but so far nothing had happened.

“A number of children from the estate walk down that way to get to school,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of near mi misses, there’s been accidents inv involving both pedestrians and cy cyclists.”

City of Greater Geelong director of city services Guy Wilson-Browne said that safety along Grubb Rd was managed by VicRoads.

“Grubb Rd is not considered a pedestrian link between Oakdene Estate and Ocean Grove,” he said. “As the subdivision expands, pedest estrian access is being impr proved through a footpath ne network linking the estate to sh shopping at Kingston Downs.”

It’s a frustrating wait for res residents like Mr Tot, who fear for the growing number of pedestrians using the road as a town access point.

“It’s only a matter of time before something bad happens,” he said. “I would hate that to have to be the catalyst for change instead of doing something proactive about it.”

VicRoads did not respond by deadline.