High-risk Fischer Street set for safety overhaul

ROADWORKS aimed at increasing safety for pedestrians and cyclists along Fischer Street in Torquay are expected to begin this month.

The $1.28 million project will deliver raised priority crossings and new cycling lanes between Darian Road and Merrijig Drive.

The upgrades will include safer crossings at the Darian Road, Centreside Drive and Merrijig Drive roundabouts, as well as the construction of both on-road and off-road cycle lanes along key sections of the street.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Liz Pattison said Fischer Street was identified as a high-risk corridor for pedestrians and cyclists during the development of the shire’s Safer Cycling Strategy in 2022.

Funded by a Victorian government grant, the safety improvements were selected following a Transport Accident Commission-funded analysis in 2023.

“In a five-year period in the lead-up to the strategy, there were 12 crashes on Fischer Street causing injury, including even involving cyclists,” Cr Pattison said.

“Cycling and walking are popular ways of getting around in Torquay, and we want to encourage more people to talk up active modes of transport.

“These works on a central street through the town will make a big difference in helping people feel safe to get on their bike or travel on foot.”

The works, which are expected to be complete by May, build on a series of improvements carried out along Fischer Street last year, including a raised priority crossing at the Inshore Drive intersection, wombat crossings at Nautical Rise and Deep Creek, and the introduction of shared lane markings for cyclists and cars at several roundabouts.