Macedon Ranges council has revealed its plan for Old Lancefield Road after a petition was lodged that requested all heavy vehicles be prohibited from using it.
Council received the petition signed by 54 residents in March, all of whom were concerned with the volume of heavy vehicles using Old Lancefield Road for access to and from the Woodend Operations Centre and industrial estate in Woodend North.
According to the notes of council’s public consultation, residents were concerned that there were no existing footpaths along Old Lancefield Road, making it difficult for individuals to walk safely.
Residents also raised the state of the road’s pavement as a point of concern and suggested a speed limit reduction from 100 km/h to to 80 km/h for the stretch north of Honeysuckle Road.
Speaking at last week’s meeting, Macedon Ranges council assets and operations director Shane Walden said council did not have the authority to prohibit heavy vehicle use on the road, but was exploring other avenues to improve safety.
“By working alongside Regional Roads Victoria, we should be able to quickly identify the best options available that ensure all of the community is able to use Old Lancefield Road,” Mr Walden said.
“Council officers are investigating a proposal for a footpath along the west side of Old Lancefield Road reserve, to provide a separation between vehicles and pedestrians.”
Mr Walden said despite council not having power to stop heavy vehicles using the thoroughfare, council had consulted directly with business in the industrial estate to use Clancy’s Lane as an alternate route.
Council officers also confirmed they had submitted a request to Regional Roads Victoria for a sign that would encourage the re-direction of traffic from Old Lancefield Road to Clancy’s Lane.
Mr Walden said The Woodend Integrated Transport Study, which will provide further direction on the road’s upgrade, will be received by February or March next year.
