Road safety improvements respond to community concerns

Published on 06 August 2025

A new speed limit in Conns Lane, Birregurra will improve road safety for residents and visitors.

Colac Otway Shire Council is installing new 80kmh speed signs on Conns Lane after the Department of Transport and Planning approved plans to reduce the speed limit from 100kmh.

The speed limit will also reduce to 80kmh on Cape Otway Road in the vicinity of the Conns Lane intersection.

The speed limit changes are in response to community concerns about road safety along Conns Lane and at the intersection with Cape Otway Road and Whoorel Station Road.

Residents have raised concerns about increased traffic, crashes and near-misses, as growing numbers of tourists use the road to visit the Otways and coastal areas.

Council will also soon be introducing warning signs at the Conns Lane bridges over the Barwon River and Birregurra Creek, and the Conns and Cape Otway intersection will change from a give way intersection to a stop intersection, with rumble strips. These works will occur separately to the speed limit changes, in a few months’ time.

General Manager Infrastructure and Environment Doug McNeill said the new 80kmh zone was the first step in a program of measures on Conns Lane.

“We will put in place further measures in coming months as funds become available, including rumble strips and a stop sign at the Cape Otway Road intersection, and line marking and signage at the two bridges,” he said.

Mr McNeill thanked the community for working with Council to plan the traffic changes.

“Community input has been central to planning these changes for Conns Lane, helping us ensure our roads remain safe for locals and tourists alike,” he said.

“These changes reflect Council’s commitment to listening to the community and acting on their concerns.”