13th plan in ‘road delay’

KIM WATERS
Calls to slow down traffic rather than cut into dunes have delayed plans for new access tracks at 13th Beach, according to Barwon Coast Committee of Management.
General manager Bob Jordan said the committee was sifting through “about 50” objecting submissions suggesting a “range of options” to improve traffic management on 13th Beach Road.
The committee would now have to seek advice from City of Greater Geelong as the responsible authority for the road, Mr Jordan said.
The suggestions included reducing speed limits, installing “traffic-calming devices” and a partial road closure, he said.
“Those aren’t decisions we can make, so we’re going to have to raise them with council and get a definitive statement about what’s likely to happen on 13th Beach Road in the coming years.”
Mr Jordan said the committee was in “no rush” to make a decision on the controversial project.
“We’d hope to have sufficient information from council by May and we’ll decide where to go from there.”
The committee has been trying to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety at 13th Beach for five years. Objectors shot down an initial proposal in 2007 fearing environmental damage.