General News
18 January, 2024
Left turns only now in force at Napier and Nolan streets intersection
If the recent upgrade to one of Maryborough’s central intersections was made earlier, it would have made all the difference to resident Bronwen Haywood — saving her from a life of disability. In the winter of 2021, Ms Haywood was cycling down...
If the recent upgrade to one of Maryborough’s central intersections was made earlier, it would have made all the difference to resident Bronwen Haywood — saving her from a life of disability.
In the winter of 2021, Ms Haywood was cycling down Napier Street, making her way to Princes Park, where she would normally go for her laps along the Energy Breakthrough track.
Not only did she never finish her ride, but her idea of ‘normal’ changed forever.
When Ms Haywood was passing the intersection at Napier and Nolan streets, she was struck by a vehicle after the driver failed to stop and give way.
Landing on her side, with her head hitting the paving bricks on the edge of the road, Ms Haywood found her left foot trapped under the front wheel of the car after it had stopped.
“The thing that saved me was that the vehicle was not going at a great speed — if it was around 60 kilometres per hour, I would probably be on the wrong side of the grass,” Ms Haywood said.
She was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital after sustaining extensive injuries, including a broken bone just above the left ankle, multiple fractures to her heel and pelvis as well as ruptured arteries in the same foot.
“My blood vessels were shredded to pieces,” Ms Haywood said.
“I had three surgeries very soon after the accident. I’ve had a screw put in my foot and because my heel bones have healed awkwardly, I’m about nine millimetres shorter on my left side.
“There’s also a debulking surgery I’ve gone through for the skin flap on my ankle.”
Now, almost two and a half years and numerous other accidents later, the same intersection where Ms Haywood was hit has undergone an important upgrade.
Following repeated calls for action, from January 16 onwards, drivers travelling along Nolan Street will only be able to turn left onto Napier Street in either direction — with vehicles no longer permitted to travel straight or turn right.
New line markings have been installed at the intersection and the works are expected to reduce the risk of collisions.
“So many incidents have occurred at that spot — I think it’s good this has been put in place,” Ms Haywood said.
“The wait has been worthwhile and we don’t need to wait for someone to die before we make changes to the intersection.
“It might take some time to get used to but we need more median strips so that vehicles can’t go straight or turn right at all.”
With the left turn only sign already in place, motorists are being urged to use the tworoundabouts in close proximity to the intersection — located at opposite ends of Napier Street on Tuggara and Inkerman streets.
While welcoming the move, Ms Haywood said if the same road rules had been applicable during the time of her accident, she would’ve been saved.
“It is the small things that change everything,” she said.
“I would be able to travel, and would be able to look forward to my retirement and even just be able to sit comfortably which I can’t anymore.
“Most importantly, I’d be able to chase after my grandson and take him to the park — I’d be able to do all the things a grandparent wants to do.”
