Community
3 July, 2024
Notorious corner claims another
DESPITE a steady stream of accidents on the Cobden-Lavers Hill Road near Simpson over the past 12 months no repairs have been forthcoming.
Yet another vehicle reportedly come to grief at the bend near Ag Warehouse last Wednesday morning promoting a flurry of complaints from residents which continues to fall on deaf ears.
Road crews reported the section has been subject to road bleeding at the time the incidents began occurring almost a year ago.
The speed limit was reduced from 100km to 80km last year and slow down when wet signs were installed – however, accidents have continued since.
Repeated requests for information about the section of road to the Department of Transport and Planning went unanswered since the latest incident.
Following an accident at the site in May, executive director Barwon South West and Grampians Department of Transport and Planning Michael Bailey said “the safety of everyone travelling on our roads is a priority.”
“We’re planning for future repairs at this site,” he said.
“In the meantime, a reduced speed limit and additional warning signage is in place and we urge drivers to slow down and drive to the conditions.”
As the Cobden Timboon Coast Times reported last year, the then acting regional director (Barwon South West), Department of Transport and Planning’s Debbie Seymour said “based on our regular inspections, crew have discovered issues with a section of Lavers-Hill Cobden Road”.
“Our immediate response has been focused on delivering short-term repairs to ensure the road remains open and we are now planning for longer-term repairs,” she said at the time.
“In order to deliver those repairs, we need to wait for warmer, drier conditions – carrying out these sorts of works when it’s wet and cold reduces the chances of these repairs lasting.”
However, when the warmer weather arrived the promised road repairs failed to make an appearance leaving locals in the same situation 12 months later.
Road users and the community were encouraged to report their concerns about the road network by calling 13 11 70.
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