Council is exploring road and pedestrian improvements in the Merri Street area, from the rail crossing on Wellington Street to the intersection with Liebig Street. Before we develop detailed designs, we are consulting with people who live in and travel through this area, whether you walk, cycle, scoot or drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What area is being considered in the Merri Street improvement project?
This project covers the Merri Street area from the railway crossing on Wellington Street to intersection with Liebig Street including areas near the Railway Station, TAFE, Warrnambool Library and the RSL. The area being considered includes the intersections on Henna, Fairy, Kepler and Gillies streets.
Why are improvements in this area needed?
Merri Street has several complex intersections with many different users and is often flagged for possible improvement through customer requests. Over 6000 vehicles travel along Merri Street each day and in the last 10 years, 11 collisions were recorded - 5 resulting in serious injuries. People are concerned about being able to walk across the road safely, entering and exiting the railway station by foot or car and safe right turns at busy times.
Students and residents walk and cycle through this area to get to the Library, TAFE, and the CBD for work or business. It is also a public transport hub where people wait to catch a bus or be picked up from the train. Delivery drivers use it as a route to travel from industrial areas into the CBD and to the eastern side of Warrnambool.
How could the local community, road users and pedestrians benefit from changes to this area?
Improvements could lead to:
- safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists
- less congestion at the intersections
- easier right turns
- better integration of walking, cycling and public transport within the road network
How will you engage with businesses and residents?
We will discuss the improvements with V/Line, local businesses, TAFE and library users. Letters will be dropped off to businesses and residents along Merri Street and we are encouraging anyone in Warrnambool to have their say via an online or hard copy survey.
What are the next steps after you gather this information?
We will use your information to develop detailed designs for the area that address the most important concerns in a financially responsible way. When we develop the designs for the area, we have to make sure that they meet the relevant Australian Standards.
When will the detailed designs be completed?
Detailed design will be undertaken following this engagement process so that all community needs can be considered, alongside traffic data and the requirements of the Australian Standards.
How might this impact on people attending TAFE and the Library?
We are asking students, staff and library users to provide us with information about how they use the area and what difficulties they have experienced. This will be considered in the detailed design, so we can improve the area for students, staff and visitors.
Once designs are complete and works have been funded, we will engage with staff at TAFE and the Library to minimise disruptions to students and library users, from construction.
How might this impact on local businesses?
We are asking for ideas from local businesses so we can prepare designs to make improvements. The aim is to make it easier for customers, staff and delivery drivers to navigate the area by vehicle or foot.
Once designs are complete and works have been funded, we will engage with local business to minimise disruption to their customers from construction.
How will the work be funded?
Once the designs are completed Council will seek funding to construct the improvements from a range of sources, including the State Government and Council’s budget. These improvements may occur in stages.
When will the upgrades take place?
At this stage we are preparing designs for the improvements so we can estimate the costs and seek funding. We would like to begin works within the next year or two, however this is dependent on funding.
What Council strategies do these possible improvements link to?
This future project links to a range of Council strategies and plans including the Road Management Plan, Road Users Plan, Warrnambool Principal Pedestrian Network and the Active Warrnambool Strategy 2025–2035.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
For any questions about the project please contact Warrnambool City Council Project Manager, Shaun Lucas, on (03) 5559 4800 or 1300 003 280 or email PMO@warrnambool.vic.gov.au