Candidate sets sights on treacherous intersection

Candidate sets sights on treacherous intersection

One of the main entrances to Mount Gambier’s Lakes precinct needs safety upgrades and beautification, according to Liberal candidate for Mount Gambier Ben Hood.

Mr Hood, who will contest the Blue Lake city seat at the March 19 State Election, has been working with residents to find a solution to the difficult Bay Road and Lake Terrace intersection.

Mr Hood has written to Infrastructure and Transport, Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister Corey Wingard seeking an upgrading of the intersection to incorporate a roundabout to ease traffic difficulties at the busy intersection.

He raised the issue after meeting with local residents, including Rob Hodges, who outlined their concerns about the intersection.

Mr Hodges, who has lived next to the intersection for 18 months, said the corner was particularly congested in the mornings as vehicles travelled to the three schools in the area.

“We have seen two accidents in the last 18 months at the corner,” he said.

“It gets pretty busy and you have almost got to come out into the intersection to look south towards the lakes.

“A roundabout would also slow traffic coming down the hill, I think it is really a no-brainer.”

Mr Hood said the intersection was notoriously difficult to either turn right off Lake Terrace East or travel across Bay Road to Lake Terrace West because of the slope upwards to the south and the inability to see north-bound traffic from the Blue Lake precinct in time to safely turn or cross.

“The problem is particularly an issue during the busy period of school drop off and pick up as the intersection is used by many families from the east of Mount Gambier to access Reidy Park, Mount Gambier High and Tenison Woods College,” he said.

“During the weekends, the intersection is very busy with visitors to the city travelling to and from the Blue Lake precinct.

“The intersection has seen a number of incidents and regular close calls in the past 18 months with one such crash involving a young family with the children and their mother very distraught after the incident.

“As the Liberal candidate for the seat of Mount Gambier and as someone who has previously lived in the area with my family, I share the resident’s concerns and believe this intersection should be made safer for all of our community.”

Mr Hood said with the region becoming more popular for tourists, the safety and amenity of the intersection was more important than ever with visitors utilising Bay Road to access the Crater Lakes precinct, Blue Lake Golf Links, Blue Lake and Pine Country Caravan Park and townships of Allendale and Port MacDonnell.

“A roundabout at this intersection would also provide an opportunity to work with City of Mount Gambier council to beautify the ‘gateway’ to the Blue Lake precinct with a statement piece on the roundabout itself and improved way-finding and signage,” he said.

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