TRAFFIC lights will be installed in north and central Warrnambool next year to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers.
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Warrnambool City Council is calling tenders for the electronic signals which will be placed at the intersection of Mortlake and Wollaston roads and on Lava Street between Liebig and Kepler streets.
The council obtained VicRoads approval for the $605,000 Mortlake Road project to address concerns over increasing traffic, particularly with new residential growth along Wollaston Road.
Acting council chief executive officer Bill Millard said about 2200 residential lots were expected to be available in the area north of the Merri River in the next 10 to 15 years.
“Between 8am and 9am, 190 vehicles coming from Wollaston Road use this intersection,” he said.
“With completion of future development in the area, this figure is expected to double.”
Pedestrian safety will also be improved with crossings over Wollaston Road and at Mortlake Road, north of Sundale Road.
The Lava Street installation is likely to start with a basic design of button-operated lights and road markings.
“At Lava Street, based on traffic and pedestrian counts, we know the crossing will improve pedestrian safety,” Mr Millard said.
“We need to discuss the design further with surrounding businesses.
“Given renewal plans in the pipeline for Liebig Street, it may be more practical to opt for a minimalist crossing design initially then do follow-up treatments once council has reached a decision on the Liebig streetscape plan.
“That way we can ensure we have consistency of design and more predictable traffic arrangements for motorists and pedestrians.”