by Gabriella Vukman
Plans to change the speed limit on parts of Wellington Road are underway due to high accident numbers and community concern.
After assessments of the road, it has been decided that the current 100 km speed limit along Wellington Road will be reduced to 80 km – the short section of 90 km will also be reduced to 80 km.
Emerald SES member Neil Fisher has raised serious concerns about safety along the 100 km stretch of Wellington Road between Lysterfield East and Clematis.
“There have been multiple high-speed accidents near Cardinia Lake Road and at the intersection outside Little Joey’s Early Learning Centre,” Neil said.
“The intersection of Berwick Road and Wellington Road, which is already signposted as an 80 km zone, has become a troublesome black spot with frequent accidents occurring at that location.”
“We have responded to numerous requests for assistance to extricate individuals who have become trapped at the intersections of Dorning Road and Cardinia Creek Road.”
Poor weather conditions and wildlife interferences heighten the driving risks on Wellington Road.
“The intersection near Aura Vale Road features a sweeping corner where vehicles can lose traction in wet conditions if drivers do not adjust their speed accordingly. This has led to accidents, including trucks mounting embankments, which often require the extraction of individuals,” he said.
“We know that the other issue through that stretch of Wellington Road is wildlife related. Kangaroos and wombats are unlikely bystanders in these instances and the Clematis Fire Brigade attend a lot more requests for assistance for vehicle wash aways as a result of vehicles impacting wildlife in the area.”
Wellington Road was originally earmarked for an upgrade and lane duplication in 2021 when the Victorian Government as part of Victoria’s big build project, initiated an investigation into the road’s upgrade.
According to the ‘Engage Victorian Government’ website, the investigation considered potential options to:
– Upgrade Wellington Road between Napoleon Road and Berwick Road.
– Modify intersections along Wellington Road between Napoleon Road and Berwick Road.
– Identify walking and cycling opportunities along Wellington Road between Napoleon Road and Berwick Road.
Planning work for the road’s upgrade progressed through the stages of traffic modelling and social and environmental investigations before informing a Business Case which was finalised in 2022.
These plans to upgrade Wellington Road came to a halt in October 2022 when the Australian Government, in line with their new budget, withdrew the funding for the project.
Whilst Neil believes lowering the speed limit on Wellington Road will certainly reduce the severity of accidents that occur, he also noted that the SES would also support a road widening project.
“It is a known fact that Wellington Road needs to be widened so that there is a dual carriage way and two lanes in each direction,” Neil said.
“We are very supportive of a road widening project on Wellington Road, especially between Clematis and Rowville.”
“Overall, the State Emergency Service supports any initiative that makes the road safer. If lowering the speed limit to 80 km per hour achieves that, then we are in full support of that initiative.”
The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson confirmed that they are in the process of planning a speed reduction from 80 km/h to 70 km/h in Rowville and the adjoining areas.
“When determining safety improvements, the Department of Transport and Planning consider a range of factors such as the road environment, the types of road users, the site’s historical safety record, and the impact the improvements would have on the surrounding road network,” the spokesperson said.
“When safety improvements are under consideration, the Department of Transport and Planning also engages with the local community to seek their feedback and local knowledge.”
