mmg.com.au

Stop signs will be trialled at the intersection of Labuan Rd and Katamatite-Nathalia Rd to help slow drivers nearing the dangerous crossing.

VicRoads has been monitoring traffic behaviour at the intersection near Numurkah and has decided to replace the give way signs on Labuan with stop signs after three serious car crashes at the intersection since October 7.

Naring Country Fire Authority captain Alan Hendy has assisted at most of those recent crashes.

He said drivers would notice stop signs more than give way signs.

‘‘Stop signs are not going to completely stop the accidents, but they will slow drivers,’’ Mr Hendy said.

‘‘I’m convinced VicRoads is doing something (to improve safety at the intersection), but only time will tell.’’

VicRoads has developed a proposal for government consideration to offset the intersection.

‘‘The intersection won’t be fixed until they dogleg it,’’ Mr Hendy said.

VicRoads has introduced a channel and concrete curb, rumble strips, large give way signs and improved line-marking to increase safety at the intersection.

Eucalyptus trees were removed to provide drivers with a clearer view after a crash at the intersection on October 7.

In November, Mr Hendy organised a meeting to discuss the safety of the intersection, which about 50 people, including VicRoads north-eastern region director Graham Freestone.

State Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy said VicRoads changed give way signs to stop signs as a last resort to improve safety.

Mr McCurdy said VicRoads statistics showed traffic had increased three-fold since Labuan Rd was sealed and driver speeds had increased from about 80km/h to 140km/h.

‘‘People are clearly ignoring the rumble strips and give way signs and I just hope they will take more notice of a stop sign,’’ Mr McCurdy said.

‘‘An accident is bad enough at any time, but when it is a local community member, a friend, it really cuts.’’

Labuan Rd is a Moira Shire Council responsibility, while VicRoads manages Katamatite-Nathalia Rd.

Another public meeting is scheduled for this or next month.