Community
9 February, 2026
Safety improvements to start next weekend
WARRNAMBOOL’S De Grandi Lane is set for an upgrade, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, particularly those pushing prams or using wheelchairs or mobility aids.
The laneway and nearby intersection will be upgraded to improve safety and accessibility, with De Grandi Lane to receive a significantly wider footpath and the Gilles and Timor streets roundabout to be renewed with safer pedestrian crossings.
Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain said the De Grandi Lane changes would make the area easier and safer for everyone, particularly people pushing a pram or using a wheelchair or mobility aid.
“Right now the footpath in De Grandi Lane is just 70 centimetres wide,” Cr Blain said.
“This project will widen it to 2.5 metres, creating a much safer and more comfortable space for people walking through the laneway and in and out of the car park.
“To make room for the wider footpath, De Grandi Lane will become one-way for vehicles. Drivers will enter via Timor Street to access Ozone car park and exit onto Kepler Street.
“We will also be creating a safer space for pedestrians in Flaherty Lane with line marking, pin-down kerbing and bollards so people will have a lot more room to walk from Ozone car park to Kepler Street.”
Cr Blain said the former De Grandi building is regularly clipped by trucks exiting the laneway.
“You can see the wear on the verandah, so this change will improve safety for people and help protect the building,” he said.
“When visiting Ozone, enter from Timor Street and exit onto Kepler Street.
“Both laneway changes are about improving safety, especially for children and for people with reduced mobility.”
Cr Blain said the roundabout was due for renewal, so it made sense to include pedestrian crossing improvements consistent with nearby upgraded intersections.
“The roundabout is several decades old and it’s starting to crack in places, along with sections of the road surface,” he said.
“While we are renewing it, we’re also delivering safer pedestrian crossings that improve access across the intersection and create consistency within the block, in line with the intersections at Liebig Street and along Kepler Street.”
On-ground works will start from next Saturday, February 14 and are scheduled to be completed before Easter (weather permitting).
Works will begin in De Grandi Lane, which will be fully closed for approximately the first two weeks of the project.
The project will then move to the roundabout, with the intersection to be fully closed to vehicles for approximately four weeks.
“We’ve spoken with nearby businesses and, while there’s never an ideal time to close a well-used intersection, we’ll work to minimise disruption,” Cr Blain said.
“Pedestrian access to businesses and around the roundabout will be maintained during construction, most car parks on Timor Street will still be available, and we will have detour signs in place.
“Thank you for your patience and please continue to support your favourite businesses during the works.
“The end result will be a safer, more accessible intersection for everyone, whether you’re walking, riding, driving or rolling.”
The project has been made possible through a $400,000 grant via the Victorian Government’s Safe Local Roads and Streets Program.
Council will contribute up to $600,000 to the project.
