Crashes spark road-fix calls

Trucking companies are calling for an urgent fix to a dangerous section of Chester Pass Road, believing it is only a matter of time before someone is killed.

The 150m stretch, just south of Menang Drive near Wignalls Winery, has been the location of five serious crashes and several near misses in the past three months, prompting calls for an upgrade.

Two crashes occurred in the past week when a freight truck lost control and rolled last Thursday and an experienced motorcyclist crashed on Monday night.

Residents along Chester Pass Road who have seen the accidents have also added to the calls for Main Roads to address the road.

Resident Rob Wignall said two trucks, two cars, and now a motorbike had all crashed when the road was wet and the sound of ambulances in front of his property was becoming all too regular.

He said the section of road almost opposite his property appeared to have a poor mix of tar and blue metal and was dangerous when wet.

“I just don’t want anyone to die,” he said.

“I can see it happening.

“A splash of water on it and it becomes an ice rink.

“To date, nothing has happened to improve the situation of this very small patch of road — it’s as simple as that.”

Temporary signs warning of a slippery road and a reduced speed limit of 60km/h are in place at the stretch.

Southern Regional Transport freight manager John Luyten said his drivers had experienced two near misses on the stretch of road but a potential rollover was halted by the reactions of the drivers.

He said reduced speed signs of 60km/h were still too fast if the road became wet.

“All they need to do is reseal it and put some blue metal on it,” he said.

“It’s like black ice.”

An O’Dowd Transport Services truck was also involved in an accident just days after a diesel truck lost control and overturned in March, causing a significant diesel spill.

Director John O’Dowd said his company had been servicing Albany for more than 20 years and the situation was frustrating and someone could be killed.

Main Roads was contacted for comment.