THE Barnawartha North saleyards haven’t been opened for long but already a safety issue for motorists on the Murray Valley Highway has been identified.
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A livestock transporters association spokesman says the entry to the yards is “short-sighted” and there are fears the problem may lead to a serious accident that may be fatal.
Kevin Keenan from the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters’ Association is correct in calling for an audit of traffic conditions by Wodonga Council and VicRoads.
But in the interim there have been short-term suggestions to have lights installed at the intersection, the widening of the turning space and a speed limit reduction on the highway to 80km/h, all recommendations that should be considered.
There are also long-term recommendations to build an accelerating lane, a longer right-hand turning lane into the yards or even a large roundabout.
The general manager of the livestock exchange, James Thompson, says the drivers’ concerns are being examined and VicRoads says a road safety analysis was now under way.
Hopefully improvements can be made to ensure worst fears are not realised.