Work will begin during October on further road safety improvements along Fischer Street, Torquay, aimed at increasing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The project will see the installation of raised priority crossings and dedicated cycling lanes at key intersections between Darian Road and Merrijig Drive, as follows:
- Darian Road and Centreside Drive roundabouts – raised priority crossings (for pedestrians and cyclists) on all four sides;
- Merrijig Drive roundabout – raised priority crossings on the east and west (Merrijig Drive) approaches to the roundabout;
- Parkside Crescent to Highlander Street – construction of an off-road bike lane on the south-bound side, and marking of a 1.5m on-road cycle lane on the north-bound side;
- Merrijig Drive to Centreside Drive – construction of off-road cycle lanes on both sides of the road.
See this map(PDF, 110KB) for a view of the changes.
This work is a continuation of efforts to improve safety on Fischer Street, as a direct connection between central and north Torquay.
It follows the installation of raised priority crossings at the Inshore Drive intersection, wombat crossings at Nautical Rise and Deep Creek, and 'sharrows' (shared lane markings for cyclists and cars) at several roundabouts along the street in 2024.
Councillor Liz Pattison said Fischer Street was identified as a high risk corridor for pedestrians and cyclists during the development of Council's Safer Cycling Strategy in 2022.
"In a five-year period in the lead-up to the strategy, there were 12 crashes on Fischer Street causing injury, including seven involving cyclists," Cr Pattison said.
"Cycling and walking are popular ways of getting around in Torquay, and we want to encourage more people to take up active modes of transport.
"These works on a central street through the town will make a big difference in helping people feel safe to get on their bike or travel on foot."
The road safety improvements were selected through a Transport Accident Commission-funded analysis in 2023, which included a community survey and workshops.
Council awarded a $1.28 million contract for the works to Pearson Plant Pty Ltd during its meeting on Tuesday night.
The project is funded by Victorian Government grants via the Safer Local Roads and Streets Program and Safe System Pedestrian Infrastructure Program.
Work is expected to be complete by May 2026.
