PEDESTRIAN safety is set to be improved at a notorious central Millicent intersection with an injection of almost $100,000 in government funds.
The intersection of Davenport, Glen and Stuckey streets has long been a black spot for pedestrians and motorists.
If all goes to plan, protuberances will be built at the cross-roads to slow vehicles by creating single lanes.
This would also create shorter walking distances for pedestrians, as well as refuges for walkers.
Wattle Range Council has secured a $47,300 Federal Government grant for the work and will match it from its own funds.
The next stage of the project is for council to consult with adjacent businesses on the proposed removal of the three parking bays in the vicinity of the intersection.
One is located near the front of the closed Millicent and District Community Club, another fronts the Millicent police station yard and the third is adjacent to the Amcal chemist.
Engineering services director Peter Halton tabled a report on the project to council’s December monthly meeting in Millicent.
Mr Halton said the intersection carried a high number of pedestrians, without appropriate dedicated pedestrian controls often seen in such areas.
“With an increase in the presence of mobility devices and scooters, the pedestrian access within this intersection is far from adequate,” Mr Halton said.
“Scooters and walking frames have difficulty navigating this intersection, often resorting to crossing the road at driveway points, or on the odd occasion travelling along the roadway itself.
“It will only be a matter of time before a serious incident occurs.”
He said his staff conducted a road safety audit in 2015 and then drafted a proposal for improvement works.
“These works include new kerbing (including new ramps to meet the needs of mobility impaired pedestrians), increasing the area and renewal of the footpath surface in the immediate vicinity, a new pedestrian refuge island and new traffic control signage.
“It was recommended within the road safety audit to remove three parking bays to improve visibility for both pedestrians and drivers alike.
“The removal of these bays will increase the visibility for pedestrians, creating a safe environment and reducing the risk of an incident.”
After lengthy debate involving the majority of the 10 councillors, elected members requested the proposed protuberances involve some landscaping to ensure the intersection’s appearance is improved.
Cr Dean Burrow suggested the closure of a section of Glen Street to improve safety in the area but Mr Halton said he would strongly object to such a proposal.
“Davenport Street needs enhancing,” Cr Burrow said.
“We need to make it attractive to improve business.”
Cr John Drew suggested the creation of a lawned area in the police station yard as a way of lessening the harshness of the area,
Cr Moira Neagle suggested groundcover at the proposed protuberances while Cr Deb Agnew was another supporter of landscaping.
With his tongue-in-cheek, Cr Kevin McGrath said the area could have statues and fountains as well.
During the debate on his report, Mr Halton pointed out the challenges posed to his staff regarding the maintenance of plants at this intersection.
Barb Smith, co-proprietor of the nearby Millicent Newsagency in Glen Street, welcomed moves to improve the safety of the intersection.
“We have seen many near-misses at the intersection in the 14 years we have been here,” Ms Smith said.
“Cars come along Glen Street, do not see the Give Way signs and go straight through the intersection.
“Perhaps Glen Street could be made one-way.”
Amcal pharmacist Gillian Buckley has welcomed the council proposal.
“I do not think it matters about the loss of the car parks,” Ms Buckley said.
“Safety comes first”.
