Projects

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 - July 2026

Works are underway to build the new pedestrian crossing on Blackshaws Road.

Due to the space required to safely operate construction equipment and work around existing underground utility services, most of the remaining works need to be completed under a road closure.

Traffic volumes and public transport services on Blackshaws Road limit the times when the road can be closed.

To minimise the extent of night works and associated disruption to residents, crews will be working day and night on Sunday 26 July 2026 and Sunday 2 August 2026, subject to suitable weather conditions.

Outside these times, works will still need to mainly occur at night, with some daytime works wherever possible. We’ll aim to complete the noisiest works between 7pm and 10pm with moderate noise activities between 10pm and 5:30am. Sound-dampening blankets will be installed on temporary fencing at the work site to help reduce noise.

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

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.

What to expect during works

Sunday 26 July and Sunday 2 August 2026 – continuous works from 9am Sunday to 5:30am Monday

Blackshaws Road will be closed between Watt Street and Stephenson Street with signed detours in place. Allow up to 15 minutes extra time when travelling through the area.
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.
High noise levels, vibrations, and dust. To minimise impacts on residents, the noisiest works will be limited to between 9am and 10pm with moderate levels of noise between 10pm and 5:30am.
For the safety of road users and workers on site, reversing beepers are required on all machinery.
12 bus stops across Blackshaws Road, Stephenson Street and Aloha Street will be temporarily closed for Route 432 services. Please visit the Line information page or call 1800 800 007 for more information on changes to bus route 432.

From Monday 27 July to mid-August 2026

Nightworks between 7pm and 5:30am, excluding Friday and Saturday nights.

Blackshaws Road will be closed between Watt Street and Stephenson Street with signed detours in place. Allow up to 15 minutes extra time when travelling through the area.
Moderate to high noise levels, vibrations, and dust. To minimise impacts on residents, the noisiest works will be limited to between 7pm and 10pm with moderate levels of noise between 10pm and 5:30am.
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.
12 bus stops across Blackshaws Road, Stephenson Street and Aloha Street will be temporarily closed for Route 432 services:
- from 6pm until last service on Sundays
- from 7pm until last service from Mondays to Thursdays
Please visit the Line information page or call 1800 800 007 for more information on changes to bus route 432.

Dayworks between 7am and 7pm.

Lane closures will be in place on Blackshaws Road, with two-way traffic maintained.
A reduced speed limit to keep crews and road users safe.
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.
Periods of medium noise levels, vibrations, and dust.
Footpaths will remain open with traffic controllers on site to safely guide pedestrians through the area.

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

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.