Construction of a new raised pedestrian crossing on Otway Road will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Council successfully applied for a $120,000 grant via the Victorian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Streets Program to cover the majority of the construction costs of this approximately $150,000 project.
The project delivered a new raised pedestrian crossing on Otway Road between Ilex Avenue and the rail bridge. The footpath under the rail bridge also become a shared path.
To separate cyclists from vehicles as they ride under the narrow bridge, people riding bikes are now directed onto the shared path for a short distance before the bike lane continues on the other side of the bridge.
The need for a crossing at this location was highlighted as part of the East Warrnambool Local Area Traffic Management Plan (East Warrnambool LATM). Adopted by Council last year, it was shaped by over 300 residents, students and organisations.
This area has about 7000 vehicle movements daily. The crossing and changes to the bike lane will improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and slow vehicle speeds along this section of road.
As well as improving safety in the immediate term, this crossing is a key component in progressing the proposed Deakin Link path from central Warrnambool to Deakin University along the rail corridor.
Larger projects identified in the East Warrnambool LATM, such as the intersection of Nicholson and Flaxman streets, and the intersection of Hopkins and Marfell roads, remain high priorities. However, these projects are more complex and require further investigation, design and substantially greater funding before they can proceed.
Work was completed on the crossing in April 2026 and the shared path in June 2026.