Community-driven safety measures planned for Conns Lane

Published on 28 May 2025

Colac Otway Shire Council is working with the community on a range of measures to improve traffic safety on Conns Lane, Birregurra.

Traffic volumes have been increasing on Conns Lane, which links the Princes Highway to Cape Otway Road, with tourists using the road to access the Otways and coastal areas.

Community members have expressed concerns about recent crashes and near-misses on the road.

A grant application to the Federal Government’s Blackspot program for an upgrade to the Conns Lane-Cape Otway Road intersection was unsuccessful.

Officers have been considering a range of measures to address the community’s concerns.

This could include installing Give Way signs at the entrance to two narrow bridges on the road and reducing traffic to one lane across the bridges. Local landowners will be consulted about this proposal.

Consideration of widening the two bridges will require grant funding from other levels of government, and Council will continue to pursue those opportunities.

Council is also drafting plans for rumble strips in Conns Lane and improved signage at the intersection with Cape Otway Road.

Council has applied to the Department of Transport and Planning to reduce the speed limit in Conns Lane and along part of Cape Otway Road.

Quotes may be attributed to Mayor of Colac Otway Shire, Cr Jason Schram

“The community’s input has been invaluable in shaping our approach to improving Conns Lane.

“Investing in road safety measures on Conns Lane is part of our broader commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and supporting a thriving community.”

Quotes may be attributed to General Manager Infrastructure and Environment Doug McNeill

“We want to ensure Conns Lane is safe for all road users, and we think a range of measures will help address residents’ concerns.

“These measures will increase road safety by slowing down traffic and reducing the risk of a collision.

“We’re finalising plans for changes to signage and installation of rumble strips at the Cape Otway Road intersection, and for installation of Give Way signs at the two narrow bridges in Conns Lane itself and have already made a request for reduced speed limits.

“Council has also raised concerns about the safety of the intersection of Conns Lane and the Princes Highway with representatives of Department of Transport and Planning following a series of accidents at that intersection.”