General News
15 November, 2024
Eddington speed dropped
With its reputation marred by frequent near-misses, serious accidents, and a fatal collision, a dangerous section of the Bendigo-Maryborough Road will finally be safer to commute on following a speed reduction.
The road, going through Eddington, now posts a new speed limit of 80 km/h — reduced from 100 km/h after a group of residents spent the last two years advocating for the change.
Three local businesses are located off the main road, including one stockfeed store undergoing expansion.
Its growth is likely to see an increased number of trucks on the road.
This is expected to put significant pressure on the area, which has already seen an uptick in traffic in recent months.
In the last three years alone, there have been two serious incidents — with one fatality recorded in November, 2020.
It is understood that “screeching of brakes” and “tooting of horns” is a commonplace occurrence, prompting a need for speed reduction.
According to Simon Morrison, who owns one of the businesses next to the road, the new measure could prevent dangerous incidents from occurring.
“We’ve had far too many close calls and so dropping the limit by 20 km/h has made it a lot better for us,” he said.
“It’s going to make people slow down because normally they just whistle through and that can be dangerous so we just wanted something that would give people more reaction time.
“I think it was vital for this change to happen because prevention is better than anything else.”
Mr Morrison is now hoping additional measures are put in place to complement the speed change.
“People still get complacent and continue to fly past our businesses,” he said.
“Ideally, we’d also have turning lanes and railings on the side of the road — we’re still advocating for that.”
Residents are continuing talks with Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, who previously made representations on their behalf directly to the Minister for Road’s and advocated for a speed reduction.
“Eddington locals came to me last year, seeking a speed reduction after several accidents on the Bendigo-Maryborough Road. I raised the issue right away with the Roads Minister and am so pleased we’ve now got the speed reduction the community fought for,” she said.
“This is a big win for Eddington and will make the community safer for drivers and residents.”