MOUNT Gambier City Council’s operational committee has endorsed measures to improve traffic safety on a state managed road which runs parallel to one of the city’s largest schools.
Council wrote to the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) in September highlighting concerns over traffic safety on White Avenue between Shepherdson Road and Tollner Road, which runs parallel to Tenison Woods College.
DPTI has proposed a traffic management improvement plan which includes a pedestrian walkthrough and refuge island, as well as a boundary fence along White Avenue bordering the school.
While the plan considers lighting upgrades, line marking and parking restrictions to facilitate the pedestrian walkthrough, DPTI has not proposed a speed limit reduction.
Tenison Woods College principal David Mezinec said the college had previously lobbied to reduce the 60kph speed limit on White Avenue and welcomed any measures to improve road traffic safety.
“The Tenison Woods College community is very supportive of any measures within state and local jurisdiction to help reduce the speed of vehicles travelling along White Avenue,” Mr Mezinec said.
“We are concerned for the safety of young students crossing the road to be collected by their parents and we see the proposed pedestrian walkthrough as a way to minimise the risks to families.”
A DPTI spokesperson previously told The Border Watch the annual average daily traffic 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.
“The 60kph speed limit is considered appropriate in accordance with speed limit guidelines as development within the 60kph zone is generally one sided.”
If the project goes ahead, DPTI will fund the lighting, installation of signs and line marking, while council will fund the concrete works and alteration to the footpath and kerbside at a cost of around $10,000.
Tenison Woods College will be responsible for the boundary fence to channel school children to the pedestrian refuge.
Council will fund $3950 towards the cost of the boundary fence.
Council will consider the traffic management improvement plan at its June meeting next week.
Until all stakeholders commit to the project, the timing of the works is unknown.
