Gumbuya intersection speeds reduced

By Yvette brand

Speed zones will be reduced at the Gumbuya Park intersection at Tynong North as a first step measure for improving safety at the dangerous intersection.

Lobbying for improved infrastructure at the Princes Hwy intersection gained momentum following a fatal collision outside the major tourist attraction in January.

The State Government last week announced a permanent speed reduction from 100 kilometres per hour to 80 kilometres per hour along two three-kilometre stretches.

The lower speed will be introduced between Tynong North Rd and the Gumbuya World entrance, and between Hope St and Abeckett Rd.

Medium and long-term safety solutions also are being investigated with planning underway for infrastructure works.

Between July 1,2015, and April 20, 2021, there have been 35 crashes, including five fatalities along these two sections of the Princes Hwy.

Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll said the decision to lower the speed limit was made in consultation with Road Safety Victoria, Cardinia Shire and Victoria Police.

He said it was a necessary measure to prevent crashes or reducing the impacts when they do occur. 

Mr Carroll said this section of highway had been a significant concern in recent years following a considerable increase in traffic, crashes and recent fatalities.

“We know the Princes Highway is a significant route for locals, freight operators and tourists, especially those who visit Gumbuya World.”

“The number of severe crashes and fatalities along this section of the Princes Highway is too high, which is why we are carefully considering medium- and long-term solutions to help reduce road trauma and save lives,” he said.

David Young of Ripplebrook saw the January fatality unfold before his eyes.

He travels the road every day and has been a strong advocate for improved safety at the intersection.

While welcoming Friday’s reduced speed zone announcement, he said more improvements had to follow.

Mr Young said the community needed to be aware the safety risks remain and won’t be resolved for some time until permanent structural change occurs to the layout of the intersection.

“The measures announced do not remove the underlying safety risk to the community of crossing and entering a dual carriageway highway at that location.

“The accident I witnessed earlier this year, was not caused by the speed of the vehicles involved, but how a vehicle entered the highway from Gumbuya World. The truck that hit the vehicle was travelling within the 80km limit,” he said.

Mr Young said Cardinia Shire and Gumbuya World must be part of the resolution of improved safety measures. 

“Council has a responsibility of ensuring that Gumbuya World complies with its traffic management plan and Gumbuya World has a duty of care of informing its patrons of the safety risks of entering and leaving its venue,” he said.

Cardinia Shire Cr Brett Owen said council understood the need for a speed reduction and looked forward to a long-term solution to improving safety along this stretch of road.