29 Bass Vista Bvd

CapeSchanck, Vic 3939

13 Nov 2013

CEO VicRoads

Dear Sir

I am writing on behalf of the Friends of Cape Schanck (FOCS) community group to request urgent attention be given to improving the standard and usability of Boneo Road, MorningtonPeninsula between Rosebud and Flinders.Boneo Road is a VicRoads responsibility but we believe an overall strategy needs to be addressed by VicRoads together with Mornington Peninsula shire to achieve an optimum overall strategy as well as to best exploit available synergies and funding options.

This section of road is (rightly) promoted as an iconic tourist drive in the MorningtonPeninsula and is thus heavily used by large numbers of car, motorcycle and bicycle tourists as well as the ongoing use by local residents, heavy transport vehicles, rural businesses and wildlife. The road is narrow and in extremely poor condition. This represents a serious public safety issue. In particular there are three aspects that we believe need to be addressed;

  1. Unsafe road condition in need of immediate and proper upgrade,
  2. Safe provision to be made for the many cyclists who currently use the road and the many more who would if only it were safe to do so,
  3. Improved signage, speed control and verge clearing to improve safety and significantly reduce the current level of kangaroo and other native animal kill.

I have documented below what we consider are the major issues and required actions for Boneo Road. After discussions with VicRoadsEngineering I understand at this stage there is only minimal planned upgrade action (~ 1km) in the current programme, as well as an unfunded proposal for a further 4km next year. This is not even close to what we would considerthe minimum needed to address major safety concerns. I have also held discussions with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Traffic Group, and understand they would be keen to pursue more extensive improvements, but clearly would need to do this jointly with VicRoads.

What we propose is;

  1. Both these sections of upgrade be brought forward to the current year’s programme,
  2. As part of this upgrade, adequate cycling facilities to be provided along these sections. This could be either as a separate bicycle path (preferred) or as a minimum with a sufficiently wide (2m) and line marked sealed shoulder.
  3. Work to commence on filling the gaps for cycling facilities along the remainder of Boneo Road between Flinders turnoff and the Bunnings Rosebud traffic lights. This could be either as a separate bicycle path (preferred) or as a minimum by adding a sufficiently wide (2m) and line marked sealed shoulder to the current carriageway.
  4. Road verge clearing and signage to improve visibility and reduce animal kill. In particular reduced speed limits should apply between dusk and dawn, controlled by electronic signage.
  5. Joint consideration by VicRoads and Mornington Shire Council to determine what overall strategy and shared funding options are optimum.

Can you please consider this and advise what remedial action can be taken to address the current unsafe and unsatisfactory situation.

Phil Mottolini

Secretary, Friends of CapeSchanck

E

Ph 0438579437

Copies to:

CEO VicRoads

Hon Martin Dixon, MLA for Nepean

Cr Frank Martin, Red Hill Ward, MorningtonPeninsula Shire
1) Background:

Road Condition:

  • Boneo Road in general is a severely degraded road, with extensively potholed and uneven surface
  • It currently has around 12 sections signed with “rough road” indicators with a number having reduced cautionary speed indicated.
  • It has a narrow roadway with unsealed and severely deteriorated shoulders. In many places the edge of the road surface has broken away well into the main carriageway.
  • Large drop off from the edge of the sealed surface to the unsealed shoulders are a safety hazard
  • Loose asphalt from deteriorated road surface or ineffective repair work becomes potential missiles for passing vehicle or bicycle traffic.
  • Drainage is extremely poor in many sections making the road prone to regular and dangerous flooding
  • Roadside verges are generally very narrow or non existent with vegetation encroaching almost to the road carriageway.

Road Usage:

  • Boneo Road has a very high speed limit (100km/h). Other far superior roads in the area have lower maximum speed limits as part of Mornington Peninsulas safer roads initiative.
  • Boneo Road has very high traffic volumes, in particular during holiday times. This includes significant use by heavy vehicles and farm machinery.
  • It is a highly attractive scenic (car and motorcycle) touring drive, and heavily promoted as such on various tourism sites.
  • It is a highly attractive bicycle route including major competitive cycle tours
  • It supports high tourist demand for access to multiple tourist attractions in the region.

Other Factors:

  • Natural bushland and farmland along Boneo Road supports large kangaroo population.
  • Major new developments in the area (Barragunda, RACV Cape Schanck redevelopment, and potentially others) will result in significant additional heavy demand, both during their construction phase and for ongoing use.
  • Boneo Road is the only viable access or escape route for Cape Schanck area residents or emergency services in the event of a major fire or other natural disaster.

2) Issues

Safety:

  • Sharing of low quality roads by high speed traffic and cyclists is a serious safety risk.
  • Poor road conditions, large traffic volumes, narrow and twisting roads create very high accident risk.
  • Access for CFA implements, or escape by residents would be extremely limited in a bushfire event

Cost:

  • The road undergoes continual ineffective patch up maintenance with consequent high and wasteful resulting costs
  • There are unseen costs to motorist from excessive tyre wear, suspension damage, stone damage, windscreen damage, accident costs.

Environment:

  • There is a very high kangaroo kill in particular in peak holiday season or in dry weather periods.

Missed Potential:

  • A safer road would provide potential to enhance the attractiveness of the area to visitors, generating benefits for Mornington Peninsula businesses.
  • As a potential bicycle route, the road is generally avoided by most cyclists because of the dangers it presents.

3)Proposal:

  • Widen, resurface Boneo Road between Bunnings traffic lights and Flinders turnoff.
  • Prioritise key sections in line with a total end to end solution.
  • Include provision for safe and attractive cycling access, either with a separate cycle path (preferred) or as a minimum with a sufficiently wide (2m) and line marked sealed shoulder for the length of Boneo Rd
  • Ensure sufficiently wide verge cleared to improve visibility of traffic and better protect wildlife
  • Manage speed limits to ensure appropriate safety standards
  • Reduced limits over hazardous, winding sections
  • Reduced speed limits (70km/h?) between dusk and dawn to protect wildlife, managed by timed electronic signs.