Old Coach Road safety measures proposed

SKENES Creek and surrounding residents are encouraged to submit feedback on proposed safety improvements for Old Coach Road.

Colac Otway Shire council received a petition signed by 84 people, including 20 Skenes Creek residents, expressing concern over the road’s safety. The petition presented to council in March identified increased traffic and speeding motorists as the primary concerns.

Council met with petition representatives and propose to replace existing “no 4WD” signs with “no through road” signs, and to install a gate at each end of the steep upper section of the road.

Property owners, residents and operators within the restricted area would be provided with keys to the gates.

Council Infrastructure and Environment general manager Tony McGann said council had been thorough in exploring ways of addressing the problems.

“In the past, Council installed ‘No 4WD’ signs in response to speeding concerns and increased road maintenance and grading to reduce dust, however these measures have not been successful,” he said.

“In response to the petition, council has carried out traffic counts, joint site inspections, and consulted further with the petition organisers, where a range of possible solutions were explored.

“Council is proposing further improvements and is asking petitioners and other affected landholders or motorists to have their say on the suggested changes before they are implemented.”

Council is now requesting feedback from people who live in and around Old Coach Road. They are also seeking the views of emergency services, as well as Barwon Water and Ericsson who undertake operations along the road.

With council elections being held in October, the changes will be voted on by the new council at either the November or December meeting.

People can provide feedback on the proposed changes by heading to colacotway.vic.gov.au.

Submissions close on October 12.