Traffic calming on Kirk Road

• Project statusIntersection reverting to standard t-intersection
• Last updatedNovember 2022

Following a trial period for the temporary roundabout at the corner of Kirk Road and Winterley Road, we conducted a review of the intersection determine if the roundabout was an effective traffic calming measure that addressed the concerns raised by residents.

To help us make an informed, community driven decision for the future of this intersection, we asked for your feedback on three proposed solutions. At the November 2022 Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to revert back to a standard T-intersection, with additional measures to be undertaken to improve safety and reduce traffic speeds.

About this project

In recent years, residents on Kirk Road have contacted Council with concerns around speeding vehicles. Midway through 2021, we commissioned a traffic engineer to examine the issue. They found that almost one in four vehicles were exceeding the speed limit on Kirk Road, and subsequently recommended the installation of a roundabout to slow traffic.

In light of the recommendation, Council installed a temporary roundabout at the intersection in late October 2021 for a trial period of one year.

During the trial period, we've received feedback from residents that the temporary roundabout has raised additional concerns around road width, parked cars and driveway access.

Proposed options

Council officers suggested three options for a more permanent solution at the intersection.

1. Raised intersection
   A raised safety platform is installed, removing the roundabout and converting the location back to a 'T' intersection. This encourages vehicles approaching the intersection from all three directions to lower their speed and take caution when proceeding. The design of the raised safety platform allows vehicles to continue to drive along Kirk Road at the signposted speed limit (50 km/h). Due to size constraints of the location, vehicles have right of way at all times.
   
   
2. Permanent roundabout
   The existing temporary roundabout is replaced by a permanent roundabout. This encourages vehicles approaching the intersection from all three directions to lower their speed and take caution when proceeding. The design of the permanent roundabout forces vehicles to lower their speed to pass through the intersection safely. Vehicles maintain right of way at all times.
   
   
3. Revert back to standard intersection
   The existing temporary roundabout is removed and the intersection reverts to its pre-existing state, with only simple line markings delineating the 'T' intersection. This approach simplifies the intersection, but may encourage speeding vehicles and impact pedestrian safety. Pedestrians have right of way when walking on the footpath that crosses Winterley Road.

Matrix of options

Each option was assessed according to the perceived level of pedestrian safety, ease of use for vehicles (both utilising the intersection and entering/exiting driveways), and design cost.
(If viewing on mobile, tap the arrow at the top right of the table to scroll across and view all columns)

Survey results

A total of 236 valid responses were submitted, with 92% of respondents listing their postcode as 3225.

• 156 respondents (66%) indicated they would like to see the intersection reverted back to a standard intersection.
• 66 respondents (28%) indicated they would like to see a raised intersection installed.
• 14 respondents (6%) indicated they would like to see a permanent roundabout installed.

At the November 2022 Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to revert back to a standard T-intersection, with additional measures to be undertaken to improve safety and reduce traffic speeds. These works are slated to begin in late December.

Location

Cnr Kirk Rd & Winterley Rd, Point Lonsdale 3225  View map

-38.2847416,144.6122708

Cnr Kirk Rd & Winterley Rd , Point Lonsdale 3225

Cnr Kirk Rd & Winterley Rd , Point Lonsdale 3225

Traffic calming on Kirk Road