Colac Otway Proposes Urgent Work to Improve Pedestrian Safety
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Published on 02 October 2020
Colac Otway Shire Council is working with Regional Roads Victoria to introduce temporary pedestrian access treatments in Apollo Bay near to where part of the walking path has eroded away.
The first step, which will be implemented before the weekend, involves a speed reduction to 50km/h to improve pedestrian safety and installation of temporary pedestrian warning signs at either end of the closed section of the foreshore path are also soon to be installed.
Council is also continuing to work with RRV on the creation of a temporary gravel path with protective roadside bollards, along with a further speed reduction to 40km/h once installed.
Colac Otway Acting Chief Executive Ian Seuren said Council was working with Regional Roads Victoria to develop a strategy to address pedestrian access along the Great Ocean Road.
“Erosion has impacted the path along the foreshore and Council is concerned that people are walking along the narrow shoulder of the road or crossing the road where there is no defined site, causing potential safety issues.
“Council has proposed this short-term safety strategy which, with the support of the relevant authorities, has started to be put in place with the reduction of the speed limit.
“Tackling erosion, which would enable the rebuilding of the foreshore path, is a Council priority and we have continued to advocate to the State and Federal Governments to invest in urgent works,” Mr Seuren said.
“However we understand that governments cannot address the erosion damage overnight and pedestrian safety must be addressed as soon as possible.”
Colac Otway, in collaboration with RRV, are proposing:
Placement of a temporary gravel path on the foreshore side of the Great Ocean Road (where people have been walking) with trimming of vegetation to improve movement and views. Installation of bolt-down traffic bollards at the edge of the road lane on the foreshore side, to protect walkers from passing traffic and slow motorists. Once the bollards are installed, the speed will be reduced to 40 km/ hour through this section, which runs north of the Milford Creek bridge to north of Joyce Street.“Council and RRV will work together to implement the barriers and fast-track signage approvals,” Mr Seuren said.
“Council will arrange for the placement of gravel for the temporary path and is seeking traffic management permissions through RRV for the works to happen quickly.”