Union anger after traffic worker dies in 'avoidable' crash in Melbourne

The 58-year-old man from Boronia died after he was hit by a Toyota coupe while working on the Eastern Freeway near Hoddle Street, in Clifton Hill, about 12.15am.

The Australian Workers’ Union’s Jade Campbell told media the industry was both sad and angry following the death, saying it was “completely avoidable”.

The incident occurred just as the speed limit changed from 60km/h per hour to 100km/h.

Campbell said traffic controllers were one the most vulnerable workers on the road, with near-misses happening daily.

”They (are) the first ones to set up and the last ones to leave. They are the least paid person on (a site) and they have the hardest job out there,” she said.

“They have to make sure everyone is safe but they are the closest to death.

“I was previously a traffic controller for many years and there wasn’t a day that didn’t go by where I was nearly killed.”

Campbell questioned why the man appeared to working alone in “dangerous” conditions.

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“He was at the entry of a freeway, he should have had a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA), he shouldn’t have been in a ute,” she said.

“It should have not happened, every single one of the deaths we have had in traffic management is avoidable and yet it was still happening.

“He should have had a complete team. As far as I know, there wasn’t much there.”

Senior sergeant Christian von Tunk told 3AW the sedan had lost control and struck the barrier several times.

He confirmed the 27-year-old driver had undergone drug and alcohol testing, but said early investigations suggested drugs and alcohol were not a factor.

“As he lost control he’s unfortunately collected a roadworker who was inspecting a light pole there on the left-hand side,” Tunk said.

The outbound lanes of the Eastern Freeway have since re-opened under Hoddle Street.

The driver is assisting police with their investigations.