Projects

Improving pedestrian safety on Centre Road, Bentleigh

We're installing a new signalised pedestrian crossing near the Greek Orthodox Church on the corner of Centre Road and Balmoral Avenue in Bentleigh, improving safety and connectivity for pedestrians.

Project status:

Planned

Project update - February 2025

Works to install the new pedestrian crossing are expected to begin in March and be undertaken in stages, with construction to be completed by mid-2025.

From March, we will be relocating two existing bus stops from in front of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Once the bus stops have been moved, civil works will begin for the crossing, including construction of kerb outstands and the installation of pedestrian traffic lights and new street lighting.

The new bus stops will replicate the existing stops, having a concrete hardstand, a pole with timetable and a seat.

The new bus stops will be positioned at:

South side: 576-578 Centre Road, between the two buildings of the Uniting AgeWell Valkstone Independent Living Units (30 metres to the west of its current location)
North side: 523 Centre Road, in front of the Church of the Resurrected Life (60 metres to the west of its current location).

As part of this project, we are also installing a raised crossing across Balmoral Avenue to support safe pedestrian movement between the pedestrian lights, the Greek Orthodox Church and the relocated bus stop on the north side of Centre Road.

The raised crossing will encourage drivers to slow down as they enter or exit the intersection, and give way to pedestrians crossing Balmoral Avenue.

Construction dates and timing will be confirmed closer to the start of works. All dates are subject to weather conditions and the contractor’s program of works.

What to expect during works

At different stages during the works, you can expect to see:

Lane closures on Centre Road, but no full road closures
Temporary restricted access and possible closure of Balmoral Avenue later in the construction phase, when we install the raised pedestrian crossing
Reduced speed limits through the work zone to keep our crews and all road users safe
Reduced parking through the work zone. We will work with impacted property owners to maintain access to their properties
Some vibration and dust around the work site. We will work to keep these impacts to a minimum
Night works during the asphalting and linemarking stage, near the end of construction.

We will update the community before major construction works begin and before night works.

About the project

The Department of Transport and Planning is investing $61.6 million over multiple years to continue supporting active transport projects and initiatives across the state.

This includes building a safer pedestrian crossing near the Greek Orthodox Church at the corner of Centre Road and Balmoral Avenue in Bentleigh.

There is high demand for pedestrians on Centre Road due to the nearby Greek Orthodox Church, Route 703 bus stops, Bentleigh Reserve, and nearby businesses and community facilities.

There is currently no signalised crossing on Centre Road between Jasper Road and Tucker Road.

By building a new pedestrian crossing, we’ll improve walkability in the area by providing residents, public transport users and the wider community with a safe place to cross the road.

Project map

Image of map showing the location of the pedestrian operated signals on Centre Road in Benteigh

Download a version of this project map

Changes to on-street parking

To ensure the safe and efficient operation of the new pedestrian traffic lights and bus stops, on-street parking will change near the intersection of Centre Road and Balmoral Avenue.

We anticipate that up to five standard-sized parking spaces will need to be removed to make way for the new crossing and bus stop infrastructure.

Improving active transport in Victoria

Walkable communities are important to creating liveable and vibrant neighbourhoods and contribute to happy and healthy lives for the people that live in them.

Improving walking and bike riding connections that enable more Victorians to walk or get on their bike for everyday trips supports the Victorian Government’s Climate Change Pledge of 25% active transport mode share by 2030.

If per cent of short private vehicle trips were switched to walking or riding a bike, the Victorian economy would save $165 million every year in congestion, health, infrastructure, and environmental costs.