REGULAR travellers on the Bass Highway, between Inverloch and Leongatha have changed their driver behaviour – they’ve had to.

It’s all about the introduction of new ‘Side Road Activated Speed’ (SRAS) technology which required through traffic to slow down to 70km/h when there is activity on the side roads, either Leongatha South–Outtrim Road or Rougheads Road, and the result has been a safer intersection that has been universally welcomed by locals and visitors alike.

Continuing State Minister for Roads and Roads Safety, Melissa Horne, said the intersection upgrade was the result of community action as much as it was a government project successfully delivered.

“We’ve listened to the community’s concerns about this intersection at Leongatha South, which is why we’ve delivered key safety upgrades that will benefit all road users, including the frequent movement of trucks and tourists,” Minister Horne said this week.

The new Side Road Activated Speed (SRAS) technology was installed recently at a cost of $500,000.

While the SRAS installation will temporarily reduce the speed limit from 100 km/h to 70 km/h on the Bass Highway whenever a vehicle approaches the highway on either Leongatha South–Outtrim Road or Rougheads Road, the 70km/h speed limit is also triggered when vehicles on the Bass Highway are slowing and waiting to turn right into either Leongatha-South Outtrim Road or Rougheads Road.

This SRAS technology will provide drivers on the side roads more time to assess gaps in traffic and enter the highway safely, allowing more time to react if side road traffic fails to give way.

The reduced speed limit will remain activated until there are no more vehicles turning right or on the side roads waiting to enter or cross the Bass Highway.

Additional upgrades delivered at the intersection as part of the project include safety barrier installation, tree trimming, improved signage, and asphalt surfacing in a further boost to driver safety.

SRAS technology is being rolled out across a number of high-speed, high-risk intersections across regional Victoria and Gippsland region, including the nearby South Gippsland Highway and Fish Creek-Foster Road at Foster.

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh welcomed the upgrades.

“By installing Side Road Activated Speed technology and additional safety works, we are increasing safety for all vehicles using the Bass Highway at Leongatha South,” he said.