TWO trees were removed in Warrnambool's CBD over the weekend as they were blocking the path of a pedestrian crossing.
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Warrnambool City Council says the Timor/Kepler street roundabout upgrade required the trees to get the chop so the crossing can be installed.
The roundabout works include new road pavement and lighting.
A city council spokesman said the pedestrian crossings would be consistent with those at the roundabouts in Liebig Street.
He said the works will take up to seven weeks.
"The new light poles will be able to hold catenary cables so that festoon lighting can be installed at the roundabouts," the spokesman said.
The work started on Sunday, with the demolition of the existing roundabout.
The work will be staged to maximise vehicle access.
In the second half of 2019 the council will upgrade the intersection at Koroit and Kepler streets.
The council advised this would be a more involved project and it is expected to take up to 12 weeks.
In the second half of 2019 the council will upgrade the intersection at Koroit and Kepler streets.
The council advised this would be a more involved project and could take up to 12 weeks.
It will also include pedestrian priority zebra crossings and feature basalt paving sourced from western Victoria along with a single level to improve accessibility.
Earlier this year the council asked the community for feedback about the improvements.
Some respondents said pedestrians should give way to traffic, however the council said it was encouraging people to walk where possible and to provide better all-abilities access around the city.
"The community is becoming accustomed to giving way to pedestrians in Liebig Street and the overall effect is one of calmer traffic conditions and an improved environment for pedestrians," it said.
Another response urged the council not to complete the works at all.
The council said this was not an option.
"The work needs to be done and through an extensive community engagement around the renewal of the city centre the community indicated they wanted work in the city centre completed to a high standard," the council said.
"Council does not have a 'do nothing' option as the roundabouts at the intersections of Koroit and Kepler streets and Kepler and Timor streets are displaying signs of pavement failure and require rehabilitation."
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