High-risk Fischer Street set for safety overhaul

Works are set to begin this month on safety upgrades along Torquay’s Fischer Street, including new cycling lanes and raised crossings to better protect pedestrians and riders. Photo: SURF COAST SHIRE

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.

Raised priority crossings (indicated by the red markings) will be installed at the Centreside Drive and Merriji Drive roundabouts, while an off-road cycling lane (indicated by the blue markings) will be constructed between the two intersections. Image: SUPPLIED

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.

The Darian Road intersection will also receive raised priority crossings (indicated by the red markings), while an on-road (green markings) and off-road (blue markings) cycle lane will be constructed between Parkside Crescent and Highlander Street. Image: SUPPLIED

“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.