A series of road safety works have been completed by Surf Coast Shire Council staff in north Torquay.
The works in the vicinity of Horseshoe Bend Road, between South Beach Road and Quay Boulevard included:
- New raised pedestrian crossings on Merrijig Drive, Quay Boulevard and Pacific Drive;
- Road safety platforms to help slow traffic approaching the South Beach Road and Horseshoe Bend Road roundabout, which has been identified as an accident blackspot with four crashes recorded on the intersection between 2018 and 2021;
- Improved bike lane markings – with anti-skid green treatments – at key intersections;
- Pathway upgrades;
- Solar lighting.
“There are lots of families, schools, daycare centres and sports facilities in this part of Torquay so these upgrades will make a real difference for current and future locals,” said Surf Coast Shire Mayor, Liz Pattison.
“So many kids walk and ride to school in this area, so the crossings will make their journey safer and smoother.
“We’ll also be resurfacing this stretch of Horseshoe Bend Road in September to improve the experience for drivers and cyclists.”
The works along Horseshoe Bend Road are among other projects aimed at improving road safety and traffic flow in north Torquay, which stem from a north Torquay traffic report, crash data analyses and community feedback.
Another recently completed project is the installation of road safety platforms to slow traffic and improve safety near the pirate playground in the Quay estate.
Projects currently underway include the completion of the Rosser Boulevard, Surf Coast Highway and Coombes Road intersection and installation of traffic lights, as well as planning for a future safe cycling connection between central and north Torquay.
The Council has also allocated $140,000 funding in the 23/24 budget to develop and implement further safety upgrades in this area.
“North Torquay has seen a lot of growth in recent years so these upgrades will help improve traffic flow, make our roads safer for everyone and encourage more journeys via active transport, which is a win for health, hip pockets and our precious environment,” said Mayor Patterson.
