VicRoads has been forced to backpedal on the installation of guard railing on Paynesville Road following public outcry.

Road users along Paynesville Road have for the past week voiced their concern over the placement of a guard fence along a one kilometre stretch of the road east of Bairnsdale Golf Club.

Following road widening works to increase vehicle and bike safety, VicRoads placed the barrier in the centre of the cycling lane, making the width of the cycling lane less than four feet, the standard requirement for the width of a cycling lane on a road without a curb.

Removal of the barrier has taken place this week and was expected to finish by today, according to VicRoads director safe system road infrastructure program, Nathan Matthews.

“We’re installing flexible guard fence on Paynesville Road because it’s one of the state’s highest risk roads – and the barriers prevent people running off the road into hazards like poles and trees,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the location of a gas main on the roadside meant we couldn’t install this section of barrier as far from the road lane as we would have liked – which did not leave enough room for cyclists.

“That’s why we’re fixing it – this week we’ve removed the section of barrier and we’re now working to find the best solution for all road users.”

Mr Matthews said VicRoads will work with the local cycling community and other stakeholders to determine the best safety treatment for this section of Paynesville Road.

He said in the meantime, rumble strip line-marking will be installed on the edgeline of the road – which will help to reduce the risk of run-off-road crashes, he said.

The road shoulder has also been sealed, which Mr Matthews said improves safety for both drivers and cyclists. Previously it was gravel or even non-existent in parts.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, who had received numerous calls about the Paynesville Road barrier issue, said an elected Liberal Nationals Government would not support a blanket rollout of roadside barriers, which is occurring under the Andrews Labor Government.

“While we will honour existing contracts and I stress we are not opposed to their installation in the right places, we only want to see them placed in suitable locations and after appropriate consultation with emergency services, road users and landholders,” he said.

“I find part of this rollout to be a complete and utter waste of money – on the Princes Highway between Stratford and Bairnsdale they are being installed adjacent to flat, open grazing land.”

Mr Bull recently tabled a petition in State Parliament containing around 500 signatures in support of a more common-sense approach to wire rope barrier installations.

“Despite this, and various other representations my Liberal Nationals colleagues and myself have made over the past year, the people of East Gippsland seem to have been ignored as the Labor Roads Minister continues on with this rushed installation,” he said.

PICTURED: Following road widening works to increase vehicle and bike safety, VicRoads placed guard railing in the centre of the cycling lane, making the width of the cycling lane less than four feet, the standard requirement for the width of a cycling lane on a road without a curb.