Safety overhaul continues along Fischer Street

Safety upgrades along Fischer Street in Torquay will move into their next phase next week, with stage two works scheduled to begin on Monday 23 February.

The works are part of an ongoing project to improve conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers along the key route linking central and north Torquay.

Coming changes include new raised pedestrian crossings as the Merrijig Drive roundabout, an additional raised crossing near Yirn Avenue, and the conversion of an existing speed hump on Merrijig Drive into a raised crossing.

A new cycling lane will also be installed on the western side of Fischer Street between Centreside Drive and Merrijig Drive.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Liz Pattison said the upgrades were designed to improve safety along the busy corridor, which was identified as high-risk for pedestrians and cyclists in the council’s 2023 safer cycling strategy.

“The changes aim to improve safety for everyone using Fischer Street, whether they’re riding to school, walking to the shops or driving to work,” she said.

 

During construction, road closures will be in place at the Fischer Street and Merrijig Drive intersection.

Only local access will be available on Merrijig Drive between Scott Avenue and Beachley Lane, and on Fischer Street between Centreside Drive and Yirn Avenue.

All roads will reopen for the Easter and school holiday period.

“We appreciate the community’s patience during construction and encourage everyone to follow signage and detour routes will works are under way,” Cr Pattison said.

Stage three works are then expected to begin after Easter.

They will include raised pedestrian crossings on all four legs of the Centreside Drive roundabout, conversion of another speed hump on Merrijig Drive near McLean Street into a raised crossing, and installation of a cycling lane.

Traffic impacts for this stage will be announced once plans are finalised.

Meanwhile, final line marking from stage one of the project will take place at the Fischer Street and Darian Road roundabout and along the new bike path between Parkside Crescent and Highlander Street was expected to take place this week.

The road safety measures were identified through a Transport Accident Commission-funded analysis in 2023 that included community consultation and workshops, and are funded by the Victorian government.