A new 80km/h speed limit will be introduced on Forge Creek Road from Monday, August 23, to help tackle its unenviable crash and trauma record.

Forge Creek Road is often represented in East Gippsland’s accident and injury statistics. To support road safety improvements, the Department of Transport has authorised East Gippsland Shire Council to reduce the regulatory speed limit to80km/h for the entire length of Forge Creek Road, from Racecourse Road, Bairnsdale, through to Paynesville Road at Eagle Point.

In November 2020, Council installed guardrails, created an emergency stopping bay and updated line marking. Funded by VicRoads and the Federal Blackspot Program these improvements were designed to reduce the severity of run-off-road crashes.

Forge Creek Road has seen far too many incidents. While lowering the speed limit may not be popular with some road users, investigation data has identified speed issues and that has highlighted the need for a reduction in the speed limit as a necessity.

Victoria Police and VicRoads investigation data has shown that speed is a key cause of crashes along this stretch of road. Council has also recorded traffic data along this stretch, which identified speed issues. VicRoads’ VLimits program was used to assess the data and conditions of the road and give the suggested speed limit of 80km/h.

Council could potentially review some of the other road safety measures taken to date if the speed reduction is adhered to and provides the necessary safety improvements.

Mayor Mendy Urie said this decision is about reducing road trauma and ultimately helping to save lives.

“The responsibility for road safety is a shared one, and speed is a key concern along this stretch. From all investigations, it’s clear that it’s time to introduce a speed limit that matches the attributes of this road,” Cr Urie said.

“Forge Creek Road has become busier and more dangerous in the past decade as town populations increase, townships expand, and development continues along the road itself.

“We want every road user to make it home safely, so we will always push for changes that reduce road accidents, deaths and injuries. Lowering speed limits can help save lives.”

Council will be informing nearby residents and the broader community of the changes.

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