Ocean Grove Voice - Your Local Newspaper

VICROADS has confirmed it intends to widen the part of the spit road as part of the Barwon Heads Bridge redevelopment.
The plan was revealed when several hundred locals met to protest against VicRoads plan to replace the current bridge with two bridges located further downstream.
At the meeting Cr Jan Farrell suggested the plan – along with the rest of the project - was fundamentally floored and that the ‘windy road’ has an effect of slowing traffic. Straightening it would more likely encourage higher speeds.
Michael Harbour, chairman of Ocean Grove Community Association, said that the road widening had not previously been discussed and there was dismay among communities on both sides of the bridge that such a plan would be imposed without consultation.
“To straighten that road would be even more dangerous and would mean removing even more vegetation. “
Mr Harbour said that cabling for construction huts was now in place and there is an expectation that contractors would appear soon.
“More of the spit has also gone in the last week. A couple of metres has gone.”
In answer Duncan Elliott, VicRoads Regional Director, South Western Victoria said: “Road widening will be only required to provide a central pedestrian refuge and to accommodate a turn lane for a safer entrance to the car park on the Ocean Grove approach to the bridge.”
Regarding community consultation he said VicRoads is “working with the Department of Planning and Community Development to finalise the Environmental Management Procedures for the project.
Mr Elliott said the first works to be undertaken will be installing safety fencing of the McConnell Dowell construction compound.
“Survey works and location of services will also be undertaken during the early stages of the project,” he said.