Greater Melbourne

Blackshaws Road Safer Pedestrian Crossing

We’re improving pedestrian safety in Newport and South Kingsville by delivering a new pedestrian crossing on Blackshaws Road near Watt Street.

Project status:

Underway

Project update - September 2026

Works are almost complete to build the new raised pedestrian crossing on Blackshaws Road.

Over the past weeks our crews have:

Installed concrete kerb outstands, drainage pit, kerbs, gutters and footpath connections on the north and south sides of Blackshaws Road
Installed cabling and an electrical cabinet in preparation for the new pedestrian crossing lights – including streetlights and pedestrian warning lights
Completed asphalting across the project area.

Over the coming weeks, we will be:

Completing linemarking for the new crossing and remaining project area
Installing new pedestrian light poles and mast arms
Connecting the new streetlights and flashing pedestrian warning lights.

The continuing works, including linemarking, electrical works and installation of light poles, will occur at night with traffic management in place.

Installation of the flashing pedestrian light poles will require the power to be turned off for a short period. Any affected residents will be notified by the power company.

The switch-on of the flashing lights will occur following construction works. There can sometimes be a delay between construction works finishing and lights being switched on as they are subject to connection and activation by the external power authority.

Temporary fencing will be in place until the crossing is operational.

We expect to complete civil works on [DV1.1]the new crossing by the end of September and thank the community for their patience while we complete this important upgrade.

Please note, dates are subject to change due to weather conditions and the contractor’s work program.

What to expect during works

Until the end of September, crews will undertake the remaining works during the night, with traffic management in place.

Nightworks (8.30pm - 5:30am), up to four nights until the end of September 2026.

Blackshaws Road will be closed between Watt Street and Stephenson Street with signed detours in place. Allow extra time when travelling through the area.
Moderate noise levels and vibrations.
Access to properties within the road closure area will be maintained. If works affect driveway access, traffic controllers will be on-site to help residents in and out of properties.
On-street parking on Blackshaws Road will not be available within the work area.

Thank you for your patience while we deliver these important safety improvements.

Progress photos

Image of preparing the site ready for new concrete kerb outstands and gutters

Preparing the site ready for new concrete kerb outstands and gutters

Image of the new concrete kerb outstand and drainage on the north side of Blackshaws Road

New concrete kerb outstand and drainage on the north side of Blackshaws Road

What we’re doing

We’re improving pedestrian safety in Newport and South Kingsville by delivering a new pedestrian crossing on Blackshaws Road near Watt Street. A high-quality pedestrian network is a fundamental building block of the transport network and helps people make active transport choices that reduce transport congestion, minimise emissions and support vibrant economic precincts.

As part of the safety improvements, we will install a raised ‘wombat’ crossing, upgrade lighting and introduce new signage to support the crossing. This project will:

encourage drivers to slow down on approach to the crossing
improve safety for vulnerable road users crossing Blackshaws Road
provide connectivity and improve walkability to nearby public transport, parks and key facilities in the area.

Street parking changes

To make room for the new raised ‘wombat’ crossing and to provide a safe crossing location, we need to change some on-street parking. These changes ensure drivers have a clear line of sight to the crossing and create a safer environment for pedestrians. Parking changes include:

A reduction of three parking spaces between Kingham Street and near 117 on the south side of Blackshaws Road.
Removal of two parking spaces on the north side of Blackshaws Road near 110.

Background

Blackshaws Road is a key arterial road, connecting the community to Williamstown Road, and to the West Gate Freeway. The planned location of the pedestrian crossing is in a mostly residential area with nearby public parks and commercial pockets. The road is serviced by Route 432 buses between Newport and Yarraville.

There are limited opportunities for vulnerable road users to safely cross Blackshaws Road, with pedestrian analysis indicating approx. 200 people cross between Watt Street and Sutton Street every day.

In November 2023, the Department of Transport and Planning undertook a survey on how people experience travelling on Blackshaws Road and found that parked cars, poor sight lines and insufficient lighting can make it difficult for motorists to safely judge gaps when turning into Blackshaws Road from local streets. Some responses indicated pedestrians felt unsafe when crossing and believed the area would benefit from an increase in designated crossings and improved lighting.