May opening for new Warrnambool hospital precinct roundabout

Construction on a new roundabout near Warrnambool’s hospital precinct will start next week.

What happened? Warrnambool City Council voted unanimously last week to award a contract for the roundabout at the intersection of Koroit and Ryot streets. 

• Works are expected to be completed by the end of May.

• The project is funded by the state government ($400,000) and council ($400,000).

What’s there currently? The intersection is currently a four-way junction with stop signs controlling traffic on Ryot Street and no pedestrian crossings.

🗣️“It’s a busy part of Warrnambool that’s only going to get busier once the $396.1 million hospital redevelopment is completed,” Warrnambool mayor Ben Blain said in a statement.

🗣️“Koroit Street is one of the busiest roads in the city with over 8,300 vehicle movements between Ryot and Hider streets daily. The new roundabout will make it easier to drive in the area too, especially if you are looking to turn right onto Koroit Street.”

What else? The project includes pedestrian islands, accessible footpaths, drainage and kerb improvements, resurfacing works and five extra parking spaces.

• Temporary traffic changes will be in place during construction. Entry to Ryot Street north of Koroit Street will be closed from Koroit Street for the duration of works, with access available via Lava or Kruger streets.

• Traffic on Koroit Street and the southern section of Ryot Street will remain open in both directions under stop-go traffic control.

CBD upgrades: The works follow more than $1 million in upgrades announced in February to the Gilles-Timor Street intersection and nearby De Grandi Lane in Warrnambool’s CBD, aimed at improving pedestrian safety and accessibility.