Neither a roundabout nor traffic signals are justified for the Bay Road and Lake Terrace intersection according to a Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) report.
However, its proposal for minor upgrade as an interim solution has been supported by Mount Gambier City Council.
In a report to council, DIT’s assessment of the location was based on current traffic volumes and Austroads Guidelines.
The Bay Road and Lake Terrace intersection has long been identified as a safety concern due to limited sight distance, complex traffic flow and a pattern of minor incidents.
At council’s November monthly meeting, Engineering, Design and Assets manager Abdullah Mahmud informed elected members of the DIT’s proposed modifications for the intersection.
“Feedback from the community highlighted a strong preference for a more extensive upgrade, such as a roundabout, to fully address the safety and operational issues,” he said.
“DIT’s proposal includes minor modifications, primarily focused on adjusting the median island to improve sight distance for turning vehicles and enhancing line markings to increase visibility and guide traffic flow more effectively.
“The modifications align with technical standards for sight distance improvements but may fall short of community expectations for a more comprehensive solution.
“Given the topographical constraints – steep grades and close proximity to adjacent properties – at this intersection, a full roundabout installation would involve significant costs, potential land acquisitions and structural adjustments, all of which pose feasibility challenges.
“While these treatments meet current standards and improve sight distance and safety at the intersection to some extent, they do not fully address the local expectations and heightened safety concerns of residents.
“The community has indicated a preference for a more comprehensive solution, such as a roundabout, to better enhance safety and traffic flow at this critical junction.
“Although DIT’s proposal is compliant with existing regulations, it may not fully align with community expectations for a long-term solution and more substantial upgrades may be necessary to meet local needs and ensure sustained safety.”
Mr Mahmud said DIT’s proposed modifications will address immediate safety needs at this intersection, however, it does not fully meet community expectations for a permanent solution.
He said continued monitoring will be essential to evaluate effectiveness.
“Council will likely need to advocate further with DIT for a more robust upgrade that genuinely addresses the safety and traffic flow concerns at this intersection,” he said.
In the meantime, Mr Mahmud said this approach reflects council’s commitment to road safety and responsiveness to resident concerns.
“Compared to a full intersection redesign or roundabout installation, the minor modifications are achievable within a shorter timeframe and with lower financial impact, allowing for prompt action on immediate safety needs,” he said.
“Implementing these initial changes allows for an assessment of their impact, providing a basis for future discussions on potential upgrades if further issues persist at this intersection.”
The DIT supplied concept plans of the proposed upgrade, along with a Vehicle Turning Movement Survey which was conducted four years ago, in March 2020.
Councillor Max Bruins has been long advocating for the intersection upgrade.
He had pushed for a formal review into the intersection to improve safety in the area.
At the recent council meeting he moved Mr Mahmud’s recommendation that council proceed with the DIT’s minor modifications as an interim solution.
The recommendation also included the DIT conducting a more in-depth assessment to determine the potential for future, more comprehensive upgrades.
Cr Paul Jenner seconded the recommendation.
