Projects

Barwon Heads Road, Blackrock Road intersection safety upgrades

We’re improving the intersection of Barwon Heads Road, Blackrock Road and Staceys Road in Connewarre, delivering a new roundabout and upgrade for a safer, smoother journey.

Project status:

Underway

Update - May 2025

Major works to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Barwon Heads Road, Blackrock Road and Staceys Road are underway.

Crews will be on site Monday to Friday, between 7am and 6pm, with the possibility of some weekend and night works.

With major works underway, there are significant changes to traffic conditions at the intersection. Traffic management, including barriers have been installed and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h is in place to ensure the safety of construction crews and road users.

Road users are encouraged to plan their journey to minimise disruptions.

Please note: dates and timeframes of these works are dependent on a range of factors, including favourable weather and site conditions.

Road closures

While two-way traffic will be maintained on Barwon Heads Road throughout construction, there will be side road closures on Staceys Road and Blackrock Road, with detours in place.

From Thursday 8 May 2025, Staceys Road will be closed at the intersection for up to 12 weeks. A detour route is in place for the duration of the closure, with access to Staceys Road via Shaws Lane and Lake Road.

During the first stage of major works, there is also a no right turn restriction on vehicles turning right from Blackrock Road onto Barwon Heads Road. Vehicles wanting to turn right from Blackrock Road onto Barwon Heads Road will be detoured via Bluestone School Road.

Following the reopening of Staceys Road, Blackrock Road will be closed at the intersection for up to 12 weeks, while the second stage of major works is completed.

Access to residential properties and businesses, including A&J Seafoods and the Barwon Heads Airport, will be maintained throughout construction.

Bus stop closures

During major construction activities, bus stops at the intersection will be closed. This will impact Route 55 buses travelling between Ocean Grove and Geelong Station, and school buses.

Due to the nature of the construction program for this project, it is not possible to keep the bus stops open and operating safely. During this time, bus users will need to use the next available stop.

Passengers travelling towards Geelong Station can use the Breamlea Road/Barwon Heads Road or 13th Beach Golf Links/Barwon Heads Road bus stops.
Passengers travelling towards Ocean Gove can use the Shaws Lane/Barwon Heads Road or 13th Beach Golf Links/Barwon Heads Road bus stops

Overview

This intersection upgrade will improve safety for all road users, including people driving, walking and riding in the area.

What we’re doing

This safety upgrade project includes:

a new raised roundabout to replace the existing crossroad intersection
new dedicated on-road bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths and refuge on Barwon Heads Road
new turning lanes into the Barwon Heads Airport
relocation of bus stops, providing improved parking options
upgraded line marking, signage and street lighting to improve visibility at the intersection
implementation of a reduced speed limit of 80km/h at the intersection

What to expect

During construction, crews will be on site from Monday to Friday, between 7am and 6pm, with the possibility of weekend works.

Traffic management will include lane closures and reduced speed limits to protect the safety of crews and road users. There may be side road closures, with signed detours where required.

Please note: dates and timeframes of these works are dependent on a range of factors, including favourable weather and site conditions.

Road users are encouraged to plan their journey to minimise disruptions.

Background

More than 10,000 vehicles travel along Barwon Heads Road (between Lower Duneed Road and the Barwon Heads township) each day during the peak summer season, including approximately 1,000 trucks.

In the 10-year period to December 2022, there were four serious injury crashes and one other type of injury crash at this intersection.

Project funding

The Victorian Government is delivering the intersection upgrade at the intersection of Barwon Heads Road, Blackrock Road and Staceys Road in Connewarre.