Road worker safety jeopardised by motorists

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday 13 June 2012

The safety of roadside workers was put at risk recently when motorists disobeyed overhead signs advising of closed lanes.

Workers were involved in wall washing for several nights in the Domain Tunnel last month when two motorists ignored the `Red X' lane use management signs and physical delineation, then drove through the closed lanes narrowly avoiding two stationary CityLink vehicles.

CityLink Infrastructure Manager Warren Gourley said the drivers' behaviour was reckless.

"We put traffic management plans, such as lane closures and reduced speed limits, in place to protect the safety of our workers and motorists," Mr Gourley said. "It's imperative that our workers can carry out their job safely."

"This incident happened late at night when it wasn't a particularly busy time on the road and the works weren't causing any delays," he said.

Footage from cameras inside the tunnel clearly shows two vehicles ignoring the overhead signs and travelling in the closed left lane, before crossing the worksite between two stationary CityLink vehicles to reach the open lane.

"While the wall washing is carried out, these vehicles are used as a buffer between the passing traffic and the area where our crews are working. Our workers have to walk to and from these stationary vehicles occasionally, so it was fortunate that no-one stepped into the path of one of these cars."

Mr Gourley said drivers who disobeyed the overhead signs were breaking the law and faced penalties similar to going through a red traffic light.

"Sadly, this incident is not an isolated instance and we are urging drivers to take care and obey the overhead signs and consider the safety of the people working on our roads."