New traffic lights coming to Torquay

THE next step towards the long-planned traffic lights at the Surf Coast Highway and Coombes Road intersection in Torquay North has been taken.

The Surf Coast Shire has put the installation of the lights out to tender, with Rosser Boulevard to be extended and linked to the intersection as part of the works.

The shire has advertised for tenders to complete the works, which will:

• Create a new highway access point for north Torquay residents, which will help ease the traffic load on Merrijig Drive
• Make it safer and easier for drivers to get access to Coombes Road
• Make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Coombes Road, when using the walking/bike track along the highway.

“These traffic lights have been planned for some time, and will make a big difference in reducing the load on Merrijig Drive, which gets very busy at peak times,” Torquay Ward councillor Rose Hodge said.

“I know that turning into and out of Coombes Road can be tricky at times, so the traffic lights will make this a lot safer and smoother.

“Plus a lot of students use the track that runs along the highway to walk or ride to school, and this will create a signalised crossing point at Coombes Road.”

Tenders for the works close on August 31.

“We’re hoping works will begin in the coming months, but we’ll announce the timeframes and traffic impacts once they’re confirmed with the successful tenderer.  We are wary of ensuring the works have minimal impact during the busy peak summer period,” Cr Hodge said.

The works are expected to take six months to complete, followed by a commissioning process, which involves working with Powercor and Department of Transport signals contractors to switch the lights on.  The shire says this process can sometimes take months.