Roundabout wire alarm
Residents warn of accident waiting to happen
ALARM bells have rung for Golden Plains residents after a wire was left exposed in the middle of a roundabout.
The exposed guy-wire attached to the nearby pole is yet to be moved at the recently installed roundabout at the intersection of Kelly, Clyde and Geelong roads, Bannockburn.
Residents raised concerns after portable plastic barriers were easily shifted, leaving the wire exposed.
Resident Tara Savin said the situation was an “accident waiting to happen”. “If a truck were to come around the corner and clip it, it could be disastrous,” she said.
“It just makes you concerned about the duty of care.”
It is understood the wire is expected to be moved in midDecember.
Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) Barwon South West director Michael Tudball said safety barriers would remain in place until the wire was moved by power authorities.
“Unfortunately, a member of the public had moved the safety barriers surrounding this wire, but they were quickly reinstated by our crews,” he said.
“Our safety barriers are there for a reason, and it’s disappointing that someone would put drivers and other road users at risk by tampering with them.”
But Ms Savin said she didn’t think the plastic safety barriers were enough to negate the risk.
“The wire should’ve been moved at the start of the project,” she said.
“It’s a hazard and it makes you wonder about the chain of responsibility.
“Who would put their hand up if something actually happened?”
It’s understood crews will continue to monitor the site until work is complete.
The busy roundabout forms one of two RRV projects sought by the growing town, with another being built at the intersection of the Midland Hwy and Clyde Rd.
Both intersections have been the site of several accidents and many near-misses.
“This intersection has long been a safety concern for local residents, who will be pleased to hear this project is one step closer to reality,” then-mayor Owen Sharkey said at the time of the funding announcement for the Midland Highway intersection upgrade.