Three deaths in five years on a dangerous stretch of road have prompted VicRoads to hunt for a solution.
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A section of Beechworth-Wodonga Road, between Beechworth and Yackandandah, has been identified as one of the 20 highest-risk roads in Victoria.
Traffic Accident Commission statistics showed 12 crashes in the area between June 2010 and June 2015 resulted in three fatalities, 14 serious injuries and eight other injuries.
VicRoads planning manager Nathan Mullane has asked the community to provide suggestions on how to address the serious crash history and improve safety.
“We take road safety seriously and we are committed to improving community wellbeing by reducing road trauma,” he said.
“We all share in the responsibility of making travel safer on our roads and this is just the first phase of asking the community to be part of the solution on this particular road.
“Ideas could include reduced speed limits, audio-tactile centre and edge lines, wide centre-line or flexible roadside barriers.”
Wangaratta’s Ty Robinson died in September 2014 when his Toyota Landcruiser left the Beechworth-Wodonga Road and hit a tree.
Police believed the 19-year-old fell asleep at the wheel and ran off the road just north of Beechworth.
Family friend Gary Craven told The Border Mail at the time there had been multiple crashes on the road over the previous six years involving young drivers.
He welcomed the news this week that VicRoads was looking at a solution.
“You make one little mistake and you’re pretty much into a tree,” he said.
“It can get pretty dangerous, especially when you get black ice.
“Definitely if they’re going to fix any road, it would be that one.”
Indigo Shire mayor James Trenery said there was no answer as yet and encouraged any community ideas.
“We’ve had constant conversations with VicRoads in regards to that,” he said.
To provide feedback and suggestions to VicRoads, email ner.enquiries@roads.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5761 1892 before July 20.