Safe Local Roads and Street
Project 3: Loch Area
Why this project?
Loch is a small village which is popular with visitors, and beyond the recent town centre improvement works, has a relatively low level of road infrastructure. Loch is also located on somewhat of a crossroads of high-speed roads, now bypassed by the South Gippsland Highway but still online between Loch-Wonthaggi Road and Loch-Poowong Road, which connects through Clarence and Victoria Streets. With high-speed traffic entering the area from all directions, additional traffic treatments will help to support safer vehicle movements and speeds in Loch.
Council has previously investigated potential upgrades along Victoria Road, through TAC’s Local Government Grant Program, receiving recommendations for potential treatments in 2024 which were released to the community for consultation and feedback at the end of 2024. Since then, Council has considered community feedback and further developed the project, and now has the opportunity to deliver these needed treatments under this program.
What is involved?
Loch will receive a variety of treatments to encourage safer travel within the town. “Gateway” treatments will be introduced on all three entry points to town, to reinforce to drivers that they are entering residential areas. Pedestrian priority crossings will be introduced around the intersections of Victoria Road with Roy Street, Clarence Street and Smith Street, with the Smith Street intersection to be converted into a “mini-roundabout” to help reduce the speed of vehicles entering the parking area at the shops.
A new raised priority pedestrian crossing will be introduced on Victoria Road near Loch Primary School, to make a safer location for children to cross the road when walking to and from school or being picked up or dropped off. Clarence Street will be provided with road cushions at regular intervals to reinforce the 50km/h speed limit. Victoria Road will have its speed limit reduced to 40km/h through the built-up area to support the treatments.
What are the benefits?
The treatments will help to support Loch as a place and not just as a route to travel through. The treatments will make Loch safer by encouraging drivers to take safer speeds, and improve walkability in town by making better, safer connections for pedestrians in the shopping precinct and near the school.