In a first for Bass Coast, a raised pedestrian crossing will be constructed at the intersection of Sandymount Avenue and Powlett Street in Inverloch this month.

Construction will begin the week starting Monday, 23 May and is expected to take around three weeks to complete, subject to favourable weather, contractor and supplier availability and any potential COVID-19 impacts.

This $128,000 project is being carried out as part of Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2021-22 Capital Works Program.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, said that the new raised platform will help to improve safety for pedestrians, including school children, when crossing Sandymount Avenue using the Powlett Street footpath.

“This is a really significant project for Inverloch, because it will be the first raised pedestrian crossing to be installed in Bass Coast,” Cr Whelan said.

“Once installed, it’s important to remember that drivers will be required to give way to pedestrians and bike riders using the crossing, at all times."

As part of this project, the bicycle lane along Powlett Street will be painted, to improve the visibility of the lane for all road users.

During construction, road users and pedestrians can expect changed traffic conditions, including possible road closures. Road users and pedestrians are encouraged to seek alternate routes during these periods.

These works will include the use of large plant and machinery and might be noisy at times. Council understands that these works may present an inconvenience to nearby residents, schools and businesses and appreciates their patience. The contractor will make every effort to minimise disruptions during construction.

For more information on this project including traffic management plans, visit www.engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/sandymount or contact Council’s Infrastructure Delivery Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211, or email basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au.