Barossa Goldfi elds resident AndrewJacks is concerned heavy vehiclesentering and exiting the Springwoodestate on Balmoral Road could be ahazard to motorists.PHOTO: McKenzie Thompson
BAROSSA Goldfields resident Andrew Jacks has called for an immediate speed reduction near the Springwood estate in Gawler East, due to heavy vehicles entering the site causing a hazard to on-coming traffic.
Mr Jacks said currently, heavy vehicles are allowed to turn into the site from Balmoral Road, leaving motorists with little time to break as they round the bend approaching the Calton Road intersection on the way into Gawler.
He said the existing set-up is a danger to drivers.
“The first day I saw a truck entering the site, I realised it didn’t feel right,” Mr Jacks said.
“The thing is that the area of road is an 80 km/h zone, so the cars are having to break suddenly coming around the bend for the trucks to enter.
“It is very dangerous.”
Mr Jacks said more warning signs should be erected for motorists, and the speed limit reduced to 50 km/h during working hours.
“It would be good to see the zone dropped when the site is open, and reinstated (to 80 km/h) when the site is closed,” he said.
“My wife has even had an encounter a couple weeks ago when there was a truck pulling in from across the other side, which caught her off guard.”
Gawler mayor Karen Redman said workers at the Springwood site have been using Barmoral Road to enter the development during the latest stage of construction.
“Balmoral Road is under the care and control of the Barossa Council,” she said.
“The adjoining interface of the Springwood development is located in the Town of Gawler.
“In respect to the traffic management, council staff from the respective councils have reviewed the access point onto Balmoral Road and requested an improvement be made by the developer, through its contractor, to provide signage advising of trucks entering and exiting.
“These improvements will be installed very shortly.
“It is relevant to note that sight lines at this access location have been assessed against relevant standards as being sufficient for an 80 km/h road.
“Motorists are reminded that they need to maintain vigilance and watch for any vehicle entering or leaving a road while driving.”
