Expert warns urgent action 'absolute necessity'
Louise Clifton-Evans
05May08
Former TAC investigator Peter Eddy wants to stop people being killed at the Bungower Rd, Somerville crossing. Hilton Stone
A TRAFFIC accident investigator has slammed the treacherous Bungower Rd level crossing as "dangerous" and urgently needing boom barriers.
Peter Eddy, a former investigator with the Transport Accident Commission, carried out an investigation at the crossing last week for the Leader.
He found that boom barriers were urgently needed because vision for motorists and train drivers was "seriously impaired".
He found existing signs were "totally inadequate" and vision obscured by foliage.
"It certainly is dangerous," Mr Eddy said. "Boom gates are an absolute necessity to stop people being killed."
"By the time the train drivers see motorists they are virtually on them and it is too late." Mr Eddy said the new sprinter service, with its extra trains, had made the need for a boom barrier more urgent.
Local man Geoff Young was killed at the Bungower Rd level crossing late last year. And while there have been other near misses, Transport Minister Lynne Kosky has consistently confirmed there are no plans to install boom barriers there. Mornington Peninsula Council said sealing works on Bungower Rd in coming months will significantly increase traffic on the road.
Early project estimates predict a rise of thousands of cars a day. Sealing is due before July, with two new roundabouts to finish by November.
The council wrote to Connex and VicTrack last week requesting boom barriers be installed.
"Due to the anticipated traffic increase, the recent fatal crash and the commencement this week of additional train services along the Stony Point rail line, the shire requests that urgent consideration be given to the installation of boom barriers on Bungower Rd," the letter said.
