Works begin on Merrijig Drive roundabout

WORKS have started on the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Merrijig Drive and Fischer Street in Torquay North.

The roundabout will be an elongated oval shape and will feature a mountable design so that large vehicles and trucks will be able turn across the top of the roundabout, like the roundabout at the nearby intersection of Fischer Street and Zeally Bay Road.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge said the roundabout would provide for increased pedestrian, cyclist and driver safety.

“The intersection of Merrijig Drive and Fischer Street has become much busier since the opening of the Dune shopping centre and development to the north of Merrijig Drive.

“The installation of a roundabout will allow for improved traffic flow and safety and the mountable design will accommodate delivery trucks and buses,” said Cr Hodge.

Works will also include construction of pedestrian crossing refuges, a new accessible car parking space, new kerb and channel. Line marking may be done at a later date and require a separate short term road closure.

The works schedule is subject to weather and is based on long term weather forecasting.

Cr Hodge said the works would be completed as quickly as possible to keep disruption to a minimum.

This means the intersection will be closed to traffic for one week.

Residents will be able to access their properties at all times, although there may be short delays at some times.

Traffic will be diverted along Centreside Drive, with access to the shopping centre via Manuka Street and Beachley Lane.

For updates, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Merrijigroundabout.