With construction on the Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment about to begin in earnest, Timor Street between Hyland and Ryot streets will temporarily become one-way to allow for the safe movement of large construction vehicles to the hospital redevelopment site.
Traffic will only be permitted to travel in the east direction, with the change planned to be implemented in the week commencing July 22.
Warrnambool Mayor Ben Blain said that he was excited to see the construction phase for the redevelopment at the Base Hospital commence.
"It's a significant investment that will greatly improve healthcare for Warrnambool and the wider region, and we are happy to be able to work with the hospital to help get trucks to and from the site in a safer way," he said.
"With parking on both sides of Timor Street, it can be quite narrow as it is, and with the trucks that will be travelling to the construction site while the redevelopment is under way, a change was needed for safety.
"We've written to nearby residents about the changes. Thank you in advance for everyone's understanding while these changes are in place.
"We looked at alternatives, but the big benefit of this approach is that it means that the existing car parking on both sides of Timor Street can be maintained.
"We didn't want to reduce the amount of available parking in this important precinct.
"Speaking of parking, as part of the hospital redevelopment, a new car park on Merri Crescent opened earlier this year, with 68 off-street angle parks just a short walk from the hospital."
It is intended that these temporary changed traffic conditions will be in place for the duration of the project. Council will consult with local residents and the community on any future options for the street in relation to traffic movement and parking.
The Victorian Government is investing $384.2 million to deliver the Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment.
A new multi-storey clinical services building will deliver a bigger emergency department, more operating theatres, an extra 22 inpatient beds and dedicated areas for medical imaging and dialysis.
