Published on 10 September 2021
Locals and visitors to Queenscliff’s historic Hesse Street are set for a safer shopping experience after the Borough of Queenscliffe installed two new pedestrian crossings on the popular stretch of road.
Increasing pedestrian safety and reducing driver confusion along Hesse Street were common concerns raised by residents during a Borough of Queenscliffe road safety consultation last year. Council’s recent improvements, supported by funding from the Transport Accident Commission, have converted two informal crossing points to raised zebra crossings, and reduced the street’s speed limit to 40 km/h. The slower speeds and increased pedestrian priority will make it safer for pedestrians to cross the busy street.
Queenscliffe Mayor Ross Ebbels was pleased that works could take place ahead of what he hopes will be a busy holiday season. “I know how popular Hesse Street is with locals and tourists throughout the warmer months, and I’m delighted that visitors of all ages will now be able to cross the road safely and comfortably at their own pace,” he said.
The Transport Accident Commission supported the project with a $15,000 funding grant. TAC Head of Road Safety Samantha Cockfield said local councils were best placed to understand the road safety needs of their community. “By working with local councils we can ensure safety improvements happen where they’re most needed,” Ms Cockfield said. “Pedestrians are amongst our most vulnerable road users and this project will help better protect both residents and tourists, making Queenscliff safer and more accessible. We’re proud to have supported the Council in making Hesse Street safer.”
Council is currently completing a suite of road safety improvements throughout the Borough, which also include pedestrian crossings Point Lonsdale Road and Ocean Road, the recently-completed crossing on Gellibrand Street, and traffic islands in two further locations across Queenscliff. More information about these improvements is available at queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/pedestrian-safety.