Surf Coast Shire Council has committed to using federal government funding to improve safety at the Blackgate Road-Horseshoe Bend Road intersection.
An upgrade of the intersection is the shire’s highest priority road project given it provides an important connection between Torquay, Barwon Heads and Armstrong Creek and has seen increasing traffic.
Council resolved at its December meeting to nominate the intersection upgrade project as part of its funding allocation in the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
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, with Surf Coast shire to chip in $50,000.
Councillor Adrian Schonfelder said a recent road safety audit recommended a roundabout as the best long-term 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 federal government will now assess the intersection upgrade project against eligibility requirements, and if approved, the project must be completed by mid-2023.
The shire is also seeking community feedback on its Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2027 and its Safer Cycling Strategy.
People can help shape the plans by providing input at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/yoursay before January 5.
