THE barrier on the Princes Highway between Sale and Stratford has been rebuilt following a collision earlier this month, but there are now questions regarding the lack of warning signs.
Motorists who regularly travel along the stretch of road have commented there are no signs alerting drivers to changed conditions, some claiming signs may have prevented a truck flattening a section of the barrier in foggy conditions on February 7.
VicRoads said it was finalising plans for new signs, which should be installed in coming weeks.
Temporary signs announcing road works were in place while the barrier was installed.
Safe System Road Infrastructure Program director Bryan Sherritt said permanent signs would be installed to inform drivers about the flexible centre line barrier.
“We understand the community would like to see more permanent signs about the new barrier installed, so we’ve been investigating the best way to do this,” he said.
“This is on top of temporary signage that we put in place to let drivers know of installation works that are underway.
“Centreline flexible barrier is being installed to prevent head-on crashes on this notorious stretch of highway — and save lives.”
VicRoads is finalising designs for more permanent signs, it says to ensure they are clear and are placed in the best locations.
VicRoads has carried out extensive consultation, but some residents maintain they have not been heard.
State Liberals and Nationals have pledged, if elected, to suspend the “blanket roll-out” of wire rope barriers, and redirect money towards road safety measures on country roads.
The policy particularly focuses on wire rope barriers, but a spokesperson for Opposition Leader Matthew Guy told the Gippsland Times that during the review process they would look at any barriers that were of concern in communities.
Mr Guy said concerns centred around access and manoeuvrability for emergency services; motorcycle safety; the inability of drivers to pull over safely with a flat tyres or a breakdown in some places; and vegetation growth under barriers which posed fire risk and maintenance issues.
