Surf Coast Shire Council has started designing traffic lights for the intersection of Bristol Road and Surf Coast Highway in Torquay.
The traffic lights will help improve safety and traffic flow, as well as cater for future growth.
The project is in the early planning stage, with physical works not expected to be undertaken until at least 2023.
Deputy Mayor Cr Liz Pattison said the traffic lights would make it safer and easier for people to drive or walk to and from the supermarkets, shops and businesses on Bristol Road.
"The traffic lights will mean that cars using Bristol Road will be able to turn right, as well as left, onto the Surf Coast Highway, whereas at the moment only buses can turn right."
"It will also create signalised pedestrian crossings across the highway and Bristol Road, which will make it much safer for people to cross these busy roads," she said.
Preliminary design layout plans have been sent to residents and businesses in this area and can be viewed here.
Key changes in preliminary design plans:
• New traffic lights to be installed controlling each leg of the intersection.
• Pedestrian lights controlling crossing points on Bristol Road and south side of the highway crossing.
• Vehicles will be able to turn left or right from Bristol Road onto Surf Coast Highway (currently only buses can turn right).
• A new footpath will be created on the western side of the highway, alongside the service road.
• Service road (near St Therese Church) connection to existing intersection to be closed to allow for safe and efficient operation of intersection. New court-bowl to be constructed in service road with highway access via Zeally Bay Road intersection.
Detailed designs are yet to developed, and will be subject to Department of Transport approval.
If people have any questions or concerns, they can submit them by 18 June 2021 via the webpage or by calling Council on 5261 0600.
