Fire track to close to public

THE City of Greater Geelong (COGG) will restrict public access to a Wallington road from late-April due to an unmanageable amount of traffic.

COGG will gate off Barry Lane, an access track between Wallington-Ocean Grove Road and Lings Road, following observations of increased traffic.

The unsealed track is near an equestrian club and a dog training facility and has been used as a shortcut to and from Wallington-Ocean Grove Road.

COGG said it has notified emergency services of the impending change, whose vehicles will still have access to the track.

“Barry Lane is an unformed dirt track, intended for use as a fire access track,” the city said.

“It has not been built or maintained to handle the increasing number of vehicles that are consistently using it to access the southern end of Lings Road.

“The city appreciates there is a range of views on this issue and has carefully considered the safest and most appropriate course of action.

“After analysing recent traffic counts – and reviewing the associated issues of road safety and general amenity – we have determined that gating access to Barry Lane is the best option.”

Property owners must use alternative entrance points with motorists directed via Lings Road, adding a few minutes of travel time to journeys approaching from the south.

COGG said the removal of vehicle traffic would reopen Barry Lane for recreational use such as for walking and horse riding.