SLOW GOING: The Esplanade among black spots chosen for works

TORQUAY’S beachfront road will soon have a new speed limit and lane layout after it was earmarked for a safety upgrade.

The project is one of five set to be delivered on the Surf Coast, after the federal government allocated $1.39 million for upgrades under its Black Spot Program.

The Esplanade in Torquay will have its speed limit cut to 40kmh between Beach and Zeally Bay roads, have a pedestrian crossing installed at Beach Road, while traffic lanes will be reconfigured to increase separation between vehicles and cyclists in the $180,000 works.

Roundabouts at Fischer Street, Torquay will also have raised safety platforms for $584,000, and will be located at Zeally Bay Road, Darian Road, Inshore Drive and Centreside Drive.

At Erskine Falls Road, north of Lorne, the road will have speed reduced to 80kmh and have safety improvements such as speed signs, alignment markers and sealed shoulders at high-risk bends in the $180,000 works.

Part of Beach Road, Torquay near the Australian National Surfing Museum at Kooringa Place will have pedestrian crossings installed and speed limits reduced to 40khm.

A section of Blackgate Road, Mount Duneed west of Horseshoe Bend Road will get a new safety barrier, improved linemarking and have an 80kmh zone extended.

The projects are part of $25.6 million for 57 dangerous crash sites in Victoria identified through the federal government’s Black Spot Program, which funds safety measures at locations where several serious crashes have occurred, or are at risk of occurring.

Infrastructure and Transport Assistant Minister for Carol Brown announced the local projects earlier this month.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said the investment was part of the federal government’s commitment to building safer roads.

“In announcing these new projects, this government recognises the importance of working with local councils, including the Surf Coast Shire and the City of Greater Geelong, to deliver this program in the state. I commend our local councils for being proactive in pursuing this funding.”

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison said the Beach Road pedestrian crossing in particular would benefit many in the community.

“This area is a key community hub and the new crossing will make it safer and easier for people to walk to the facilities they use on a daily basis, like schools, day care centres, the library, skate park, shops and cafes. It will significantly improve walkability for the residents in the area, including those living in the Lions Village.”

Lions Village Torquay resident Don Stuchbery said the works near Kooringa Place were “one of the best things that’s been done for road safety in this part of Torquay”.

“There’s been a few of us concerned for a while, with increased traffic flow, lots of trucks and cars, and more houses going up, the upgrades are much needed.”

“There are childcare centres and schools with kids crossing the road, going to class, to the skatepark and going shopping – we hope now, drivers will pay more attention and we can all stay safe.”

Victorian Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said the funding was a key part of making sure roads were safer for all road users.

“The Black Spot Program strongly aligns with Victoria’s road safety strategy and will help us achieve our goal of zero lives lost on Victorian roads by 2050.”