VicRoads to meet Barwon Heads locals about zebra crossings

VICROADS says it plans to meet with Barwon Heads residents again to discuss their experiences this summer with the town’s pedestrian crossings.

In 2016, zebra crossings on Bridge Road, Hitchcock Avenue, Flinders Parade and Ewing Blyth Drive were installed to improve safety and access for pedestrians during the peak holiday season.

However, while the pedestrian crossings were identified as the preferred option, traffic jams and gridlock during the busier times continue to anger and frustrate locals.

VicRoads south-west regional director of South West Mark Koliba said the planning authority had been monitoring and reviewing the traffic impacts in Barwon Heads this summer.

“We will meet with the community again to discuss their experience and work with them to review the overall operation of the road network in Barwon Heads.”

VicRoads has also asked members of the OGBH Community Noticeboard on Facebook to provide any feedback so it can work with them to provide Barwon Heads better access for both pedestrians and motorists.

Group member John Bacon suggested getting rid of the multiple zebra crossings around the roundabouts and to install a couple of sensibly located sets of pedestrian lights.

“The current crossings might work during quiet periods, but these days it’s pretty well busy from Christmas to Easter, and I’ve also noticed over the years that the number of visitors in attendance every weekend throughout the year has also grown.

“The issue is that when there are a lot of people, there can be a fairly constant stream of pedestrians crossing, thereby holding vehicles for extended periods and creating long lines of traffic that can and do stretch back far enough to also obstruct the other roundabout, effectively causing a form of gridlock.

“Pedestrian lights would at least give drivers and pedestrians a fair go.

“However, the location of such lights should be carefully considered.”

Following extensive consultation with the local community association and the City of Greater Geelong, the new pedestrian crossings were identified as the preferred option to improve pedestrian safety while also maintaining the town’s village atmosphere.