A LOCAL MP is still maintaining that the Greenock, Moppa South and Samuel Roads intersection in Nuriootpa requires no further safety upgrading.
Documents obtained under Freedom of Information laws have revealed Member for Schubert Stephan Knoll has, for almost 18 months, rejected claims by local residents and transport operators that the local intersection is dangerous.
Member for Light Tony Piccolo told The Bunyip the documents also highlight heavy vehicle use of the intersection has increased by 50 per cent, representing 9 per cent of overall vehicular traffic.
The FOI documents also reveal that concerns about the speed limit and safety risks for pedestrians were also raised with Mr Knoll, particularly given the proximity to Redeemer Lutheran College.
Neville Linke, who lives on the intersection, has been fighting for an upgrade for a long time and has publicly warned crashes are “getting worse” as traffic increases.
However, Mr Knoll said road safety was drivers’ responsibility.
“Every time someone gets behind the wheel they need to take all due care on our roads, everyone has their part to play in keeping safe,” he said.
“This intersection was investigated in July 2019 and was found to be working properly.
“The Marshall and Morrison Liberal Governments have invested a huge amount in improving road safety in the Barossa, from sealing Lyndoch Road, fixing Kroemers Crossing, resealing the Tanunda to Nuriootpa Road, reducing the speed limit on the Sturt Highway as well as future upgrades at the Penrice & Stockwell Road intersection.”
But according to SAPOL statistics, 15 vehicle collisions have occurred at the site in the past five years.
Mr Piccolo has again called on the minister for infrastructure and transport Corey Wingard to act before it is too late.
“I am disappointed that the local Liberal Member of Parliament personally refused to listen carefully to feedback from local residents’ way back in 2019,” he said.
“...I have been told by Mr Neville Linke who lives on the intersection that he has seen nine major crashes over the past 12 months.
“How many of these crashes could have been avoided if action had been taken in 2019?”