It is an unfortunate truth that Griffith is home to some dangerous roads. Accidents are so commonplace and yet very little is being done to prevent further injury and death.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At the last Council meeting, Deputy Mayor Dino Zappacosta brought up a concern very close to him: the dangers of the Kidman Way intersection at Willbriggie.
“It is the most unsuspecting, dangerous road in the whole council area,” Cr Zappacosta said.
“You just don’t realise you’re suddenly going to come across an area of the road that has a dip and a curve to the road at the same time.
“If you’re going too fast, and you’re carrying a load, it’s quite possible that you will lose that load as you go down into the dip and swing to the left, or to the right.”
The Area News was curious as to why the spot was so dangerous, and Cr Zappacosta eagerly showed us the exact nature of the problem.
RELATED:
Cr Zappacosta makes a strong argument when he declares, “It’s worse going one way than the other” for when one journeys south down the road, one is cautioned to reduce speed to 75km/hr taking the turn however, heading north the recommended speed is 85km/hr over the bend.
The suggested speeds are also placed only a short distance from the notorious bend which has seen accident after accident.
The spot also fails to warn drivers of the dip, instead offering a ‘rough surface’ sign in place.
We managed to catch sight of cars bouncing over the dip and even a B-double driving down the middle of the road whilst crossing the bridge.
It was certainly unsurprising to learn there were two recent accidents – a heavy vehicle lost its load on that spot, and a car rolled off the road.
“It’s an issue that has been around for many, many years,” he said.
According to Cr Zappacosta, former plans to rectify the situation were never followed through.
At this stage, all Cr Zappacosta is asking for is signage as ‘looking into’ the matter, he said, merely takes more time that cannot be afforded when lives are at stake.
“There’s no good looking into it – it needs immediate signage to indicate it’s a dangerous section of the road and for drivers to be aware.”
He notes that drivers do not realise the potential danger of the road until they are passing through.
“You tend to veer toward the centre of the road itself when you traverse that bridge.”
He said the biggest fear for drivers is passing an oncoming car when crossing the bridge.
When asked what his message is to members of the public who may not be aware of the dangers, Cr Zappacosta responded:
“If you are a newcomer to the area, you just don’t realise what you’re approaching,” he said.
“I think it’s important if you’re aware of the bridge that you take remedial action – you will take action to prevent coming into a collision.
“The only advice I can give people is not to cross the bridge if you think there is another vehicle coming in the opposite direction – take evasive action; pull over, and let the other vehicle go first.”
Cr Zappacosta will continue to appeal to Roads and Maritime Services, Council, and the public for help.