Go-slower order for busy road

A ROAD authority says community safety concerns are behind its decision to cut speed limits on the Surf Coast Highway.

Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) changed limits to 60kmh from Settlement Road, Belmont for 3.1 kilometres to the road’s level crossing, and 70kmh through to the Lower Duneed Road roundabout.

The new limits are 10kmh lower than their roads’ previous restrictions.

RRV said its change was aimed at improving safety for vehicles entering the busy road from side streets and businesses.

“The reduced speed limit is being introduced in response to community concerns raised about the safety of the thousands of people relying on the Surf Coast Highway each day to get to the shops, go to school or work, and get home to their families,” RRV stated.

“A safer speed limit will improve safety and access for more vulnerable road users including pedestrians crossing to and from bus stops, businesses, schools, aged care and childcare, as well as cyclists who share the road with larger vehicles.”

State government data indicates about 30,000 vehicles use the highway daily, a figure authorities expect to increase as its surrounding neighbourhoods grow and while construction at Barwon Heads Road diverts more traffic to the highway.

The regional roads authority said it expected the change to add less than a minute to typical travel times.

Meanwhile, RRV announced this month it would soon add a new set of traffic lights to the Surf Coast Highway’s intersection with Reserve Road in Grovedale.

The project would also modify turning lanes and link to traffic signals at the nearby Grovedale Fire Station.