Councillor fears more deaths without action on Loch crossroads

ANOTHER day, another fatality at the South Gippsland Highway, Loch-Poowong Road and Victoria Road intersection at Loch.

Little more than two weeks ago, former South Gippsland Mayor, and nearby resident Cr Nathan Hersey called for action.

Speaking to the Sentinel-Times today, he said he’s aware that driver error plays its part, but says there’s no excuse for not repairing the damaged Armco Barrier on one side and broken wire rope safety barrier on the other side of the highway.

“That’s two deaths in three months. It’s absolutely tragic. Something is seriously wrong with this part of the highway and the intersection here.”

Cr Hersey repeated the same concerns he voiced two weeks ago, that there are significant issues with the line of sight for those turning right from Loch-Poowong Road onto South Gippsland Highway, with the situation exacerbated by excess vegetation.

“They said they’ve removed some branches but if they have, you can’t tell,” he said on Wednesday.

“Before you know it, there are cars on you,” he said.

Cr Hersey said the government was aware of the issues at the Loch intersection but needed to take immediate action this time.

Online petition

The problems at the intersection have been highlighted in a Change.org perttion this week called ‘Loch/Poowong intersection on South Gippsland Highway’ seeking road safety changes.

“Why this petition matters by Caylie Holtz: Our community is devastated after another road fatality at the Loch/Poowong intersection on South Gippsland Highway and we are calling out for changes to be made to prevent further incidents. Tree trimming is not enough, the Government needs to do more to better prevent another fatality or collision at this very dangerous intersection.

“Many in the community have proposed implementing a reduction of the speed limit and installation of a roundabout at this junction. Please sign this petition if you support the cause for road safety changes to be made to this intersection before another life is tragically lost.”

Search ‘Loch/Poowong intersection’ on change.org here:  click through to Ghange.org