A FOUR-VEHICLE collision on White Avenue last month has prompted renewed calls for improved safety measures on the state managed road which runs parallel to one of the city’s largest schools.
A 46-year-old woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries after four cars were involved in an accident at the intersection of White Avenue and Shepherdson Road, 100 metres from Tenison Woods College, during heavy traffic at school rush-hour.
Mount Gambier residents have since vented their frustration on social media, calling on State Government to install traffic lights or a roundabout at the “nightmare” corner.
Tenison Woods College principal David Mezinec said the school had previously lobbied to reduce the 60km/h speed limit on White Avenue to no avail.
“The Tenison Woods College community would support any attempt to reduce the risks to families using White Avenue and Shepherdson Road,” Mr Mezinec told The Border Watch.
“We have previously lobbied for speed reduction and pedestrian crossing options across White Avenue, but this was not actioned.”
“The College takes its duty of care for students seriously and sees a potential roundabout or traffic lights as a way of minimising the risks to families.”
A Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) spokesperson said the section of White Avenue opposite Tenison Woods College was operating in a “safe and satisfactory” manner.
“No changes to existing speed limits are proposed at this time,” the spokesperson said.
“The 60km/h speed limit is considered appropriate in accordance with speed limit guidelines as development within the 60 km/h zone is generally one sided.
“There have been zero casualty crashes reported in the available crash statistics in the 2012 to 2017 period.”
Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) on White Avenue was measured at approximately 5000 vehicles per day.
“DPTI accepts that from time to time, traffic volumes may fluctuate at this location for relatively short periods,” the spokesperson said.
“A Koala Crossing is provided on Shepherdson Road, which runs alongside the school and is the main route for pedestrians.
“Previous observations have indicated that too few pedestrians cross White Avenue to warrant pedestrian facilities, however pedestrian warning signs are provided on White Avenue.”
The spokesperson said due to a high number of candidate projects exceeding available funds each year, DPTI used a priority system to determine where funds were best allocated.
“We consider many factors such as traffic volume, crash statistics and road layout,” the spokesperson said.
“DPTI will contact Mount Gambier City Council to discuss the introduction of parking restrictions immediately adjacent to the White Avenue and Shepherdson Road intersection to alleviate congestion.
“We will review other measures to improve traffic management on White Avenue.”
It is expected the review will be completed by September 30.
