Works on mini-roundabout to start soon

CONSTRUCTION is about to start on a “mini roundabout” at the intersection of Bristol Road and Pearl Street, near the Torquay Post Office.

The Surf Coast Shire says the project is part of a series of works to make it safer and easier for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to get access to Torquay’s town centre.

Works on the roundabout will start on October 2 and are expected to be completed by November 11.

The intersection will be closed to traffic during the works, with detours in place:

• East-bound traffic: via Fischer Street, Zeally Bay Road and The Esplanade
• West-bound traffic from Gilbert Street: via Pearl Street, Boston Road and Payne Street.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works.

“This intersection can get quite busy at times, so the roundabout will help with traffic movement and create better designated places for people to cross the road,” shire deputy mayor Liz Pattison said.

Cr Pattison said the roundabout was the final piece of a larger project to create a safer system for all road users in central Torquay.

“We recently completed a number of pedestrian crossings, speed humps and raised intersections throughout the town centre.”

“These works are all about improving safety and traffic flow and encouraging people to choose active transport. As well as the obvious health and wellbeing benefits of walking and cycling to the shops and cafes, it also helps ease traffic congestion and free up more parking spots.”

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/TTCworks or phone the shire on 5261 0600.