Travelling to one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations will soon be a significantly smoother and safer experience for drivers when works to improve Otway Lighthouse Road start next week.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing $2.3 million to rebuild 4.2 kilometres of the road – the gateway route to Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse, the Cape Otway Lightstation.
Currently, the road carries about 630 vehicles daily, increasing to up to 1000 vehicles in peak holiday times as visitors make their way down the Great Ocean Road.
To improve road safety and provide road users with a more comfortable journey, VicRoads will strengthen, stabilise and resurface the road.
Visitors hoping to spot a koala will also benefit from the upgrade, with sealing works scheduled to improve dedicated fauna-spotting pullover areas.
Sections of existing kerb and channel and under road culverts will also be replaced, and the roadside drains will be regraded in some areas to improve stormwater flows away from the road.
While works are underway, motorists are advised that there may be some minor delays.
Traffic controls will be in place while the works are being carried out and motorists are reminded to take care when travelling through work sites and obey the reduced speed limits.
Works are expected to be completed by mid-2018.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“The iconic Cape Otway Lightstation is one of our best-loved tourist attractions, so it is vital that Otway Lighthouse Road is strong and safe enough to support the capacity for future road demands.”
”These significant works will ensure the road can better cater to visitors, locals and tourism operators who travel this route daily.”