By Mitchell Clarke
There are growing calls for an overpass to be constructed at Gumbuya World, as truck drivers play a game of Russian roulette in a bid to cross the Princes Highway to get back to Melbourne.
Narracan MP Gary Blackwood has backed the concerns of fed up truck drivers, including Maryknoll CFA volunteer David Whitty, who is pushing for the massive infrastructure project.
“I’ve been driving Tynong North Road for some time and it’s an absolute nightmare trying to cross the highway safely as a truck driver,” Mr Whitty said.
“I’ve been driving trucks for over 30 years and this is a huge issue. I know for a fact there has been a heap of people complaining about this intersection.”
Mr Whitty, who works in the local area, said an overpass at Gumbuya World would alleviate current concerns, adding it’d be welcomed by road users and locals alike.
“It’s a nightmare and it’s just going to get worse with the increased traffic to the area as well as a new quarry,” he said.
“Sometimes you can risk it to cross the road when there’s a gap but other times you’re parked there waiting for ages.
“It’s an accident waiting to happen. Police have pretty much told me that VicRoads won’t do anything until there are at least a few fatalities.”
Mr Whitty said truck drivers could turn left at Tynong North Road and pick up the overpass outside Gumbuya.
He added it would help with confusion, stating he’s witnessed “city people” failing to cross the median strip when heading back to Melbourne.
Narracan MP Gary Blackwood raised the issue in 2018 and said he will continue pushing for action.
“There is a problem with that section of freeway because there are so many side roads with direct access to the freeway. That is the reason that road won’t ever be higher than 100 kilometres,” he said.
“It’s a dangerous piece of road but this is about identifying the risk to safety and addressing it, rather than waiting for someone to be killed. Human life is far too precious.”
Mr Blackwood said an overpass at Sand Road came at a cost of about $33 million, and estimated a similar price tag at Gumbuya.
“An overpass is the obvious solution but I don’t think the money could be justified for just one business,” he said.
“I do think the conversation needs to be had because there might be something we can do in the short term that can make things a bit safer.”
Gumbuya World CEO Ron Weinzierl said an “active network” of authorities was working to address the issue.
He said that if the theme park could assist by using their land to make the area safer, they’d do so.
“We are definitely working very closely with VicRoads as well as Cardinia Shire Council to look for the best control right now and the best long term solution,” Mr Weinzierl said.
“We’ll continue to control the safety and there will be a solution to make it safe as the population and use of road continues to increase.”
The Department of Transport said they would continue to monitor the safety and operation of the Tynong North Road intersection.
A spokesperson said seasonal speed reductions had been implemented around Gumbuya World, dropping the speed to 80 kilometres per hour.
“To increase safety, the Department has worked closely with Gumbuya World and Victoria Police to introduce reduced speeds during peak periods, while also installing signage that alerts drivers to turning vehicles,” the spokesperson said.
“We will continue to assess a range of options that could be introduced to improve safety for drivers in the area.”
