Surf Coast Shire Council will seek to allocate Australian Government funding to improve safety at the Blackgate Road-Horseshoe Bend Road intersection.
An upgrade of the intersection is Council’s highest priority road project, given it provides an important connection between Torquay, Barwon Heads and Armstrong Creek, it shows increasing volumes of traffic, and is a popular cycling route.
Council resolved at its December meeting to nominate the intersection upgrade project as part of its funding allocation in the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The program – now in its third phase – supports councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects.
The improvement works would feature the installation of an innovative compact roundabout with safety features for all transport modes, including cyclists. The total project cost is $752,120, including a Council contribution of $50,000.
Councillor Adrian Schonfelder said a recent road safety audit recommended a roundabout as the best longterm treatment.
“We’re seeing an increase in traffic in this area from residents in the north of Torquay and from our neighbouring municipality via Armstrong Creek,” Cr Schonfelder said. “It’s important that we continue to adapt to this additional pressure on our local roads, and play our part to keep people safe.
“Reducing speed through the intersection decreases the potential for high speed and high impact accidents for traffic, particularly motorists travelling through the intersection and turning right.”
The Australian Government will assess the intersection upgrade project against eligibility requirements. If approved, the project needs to be completed by 30 June 2023.
The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program aims to support jobs and the resilience of local economies, to help communities bounce back from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Surf Coast Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2027 and its Safer Cycling Strategy. People can help shape the respective plans by providing input at www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/yoursay before 5 January 2022.
