SWAN Hill residents fear it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or killed on Werril Street.
Renewed calls to install traffic calming devices within the low-density residential street at the southern end of town again came to light this week, after a two-vehicle crash on Sunday afternoon.
Local resident Gary Norton was working in his shed at the time of the collision.
“I heard the screeching of tyres and a loud bang,” he said, noting he was one of the first bystanders at the scene.
“There was a lot of damage with car parts strewn across the road and people trying to get out of the vehicles.
“Those involved were distraught and in shock.”
Having rendered assistance until emergency services arrived, Mr Norton said that while he was not surprised by the crash, he was grateful no one was seriously hurt.
“It could have been a lot worse,” he said.
Mr Norton has been advocating for improved traffic management and road safety along this stretch of road for many years, noting the southern precinct of Swan Hill had become “a de facto bypass” after the upgrade of Dead Horse Lane.
These sentiments were echoed by fellow resident Greg O’Bree, a campaigner for improved traffic conditions for more than a decade.
“Over recent times, we have seen a significant increase in speeding traffic, including trucks, entering the west end of Werril Street,” Mr O’Bree said.
“At times drivers overtake those adhering to speed limits, risking the safety of local residents and pedestrians.”
Mr O’Bree said the area was a ticking time bomb and had become a major thoroughfare for heavy vehicles, agricultural machinery and hooning motorists.
“It’s a bloody nightmare,” he said.
“Pets have been run over and killed, and there are lots of young families living in the street. Do we have to wait until someone dies before some action is taken?”
Residents said the road alignment from Dead Horse Lane onto Werril Street discouraged heavy vehicles from utilising the designated heavy vehicle route, Back Boga Road.
“We’re the only street in this town that has nothing to slow or calm traffic,” Mr O’Bree said.
Earlier this year Swan Hill Council said it had undertaken preliminary survey work for the realignment of the Dead Horse Lane, Werril Street and Back Boga Road intersection.
A full design was expected to be completed by August next year.
“The objective will be to direct these vehicles in a southerly direction to Back Boga Road and then on to the Murray Valley Highway, via Aerodrome Road,” the council said.
“A budget allocation will then be sought following completion of the design and a cost estimate.”
Residents were concerned it may be a case of too little, too late.
“Until something is done to divert and calm the traffic along Werril Street, it remains very risky,” Mr O’Bree said.
“One fatality will be one too many.”
