RESIDENTS have voiced their concerns over a congested intersection in Torquay however business owners say it is only temporary.<\/p>\n
Locals have identified the right-hand turn into McDonalds and Rivers located on Beach Road as a traffic hazard with several close calls being recognised in an online post.<\/p>\n
Comments also reference traffic backing up towards the Surf Coast Highway during peak hours, with some citing “poor town planning” as the issue.<\/p>\n
McDonalds Torquay Store licensee Stuart Coomes said COVID-19 restrictions and closure of restaurants inline with State Government orders had “exaggerated” traffic congestion at the site.<\/p>\n
“It was the consequence of other restaurants being closed and us being the only drive-through in Torquay,” he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Coomes believes that with other restaurants opening in the area for dine-in options the congestion will be alleviated.<\/p>\n
Local resident Carl Linell who initiated the online discussion said having people turn into the restaurant from the road is far too dangerous.<\/p>\n
“I travel up and down Beach Road everyday,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Cars are banked up most nights at around 5pm as I’m on my way home from work.”<\/p>\n
Surf Coast Shire general manager of governance and infrastructure John Bertoldi said that the queuing in Beach Road had increased significantly during COVID-19 with a greater demand for takeaway meals.<\/p>\n
“In any similar traffic situation where drivers may be queuing to enter a property or make a turn there is potential for collision if drivers are inattentive,” he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Bertoldi said Council and VicRoads took traffic congestion at the intersection into account during the process of allocating McDonalds their land and road access. A VCAT hearing in 1999 determined that additional traffic measures may be required in the future to combat an increase in traffic volume.<\/p>\n
This led to the commissioning of traffic lights in 2018 at the Beach Road intersection.<\/p>\n
“Any consideration of moving the drive-through access would need to be made in consultation with McDonald’s and the Department of Transport, which has authority over the Surf Coast Highway and Beach Road intersection,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Council would be prepared to enter discussions if concerns continue into the future.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
RESIDENTS have voiced their concerns over a congested intersection in Torquay however business owners say it is only temporary. Locals have identified the right-hand turn into McDonalds and Rivers located on Beach Road as a traffic hazard with several close calls being recognised in an online post. Comments also reference traffic backing up towards the […]<\/p>\n