Over the last year I have been advocating for Hobsons Bay Council to install three new pedestrian crossings along Blackshaws Road, to improve safety for you and the local community.

As part of the planning conditions for the new developments on Blackshaws Road, Council is required to use developer contributions to deliver three zebra crossings, adjoining the following intersections:

  • The intersection of The Broadway and Blackshaws Road.
  • The intersection of Fabric Drive (a new road to be created) and Blackshaws Road.
  • The intersection of Sutton Street and Blackshaws Road.

However, unfortunately Council is reluctant to do this prior to the developments being completed.

I don’t believe this is good enough. I hear constantly just how difficult it is to cross the road and of near misses all the time.

That’s why I am pleased to announce that a fourth zebra crossing will be delivered by the State Government. The intended site for this crossing is between Watt St and Stephenson St – linking apartments and commercial sites along that section of Blackshaws Road.

The current timeline is expecting delivery of this crossing will be in April to July in 2026.

The decision to install the pedestrian crossing at this location was informed by local residential population growth, pedestrian traffic, bus stop locations, and ensuring an appropriate distance between this and the other pedestrian crossings.

This page includes a map that visualises the locations of all four crossings.

I am also working with the Department of Transport and Planning to upgrade the traffic lights at Kyle and Blackshaws roads so that pedestrians get a head start green signal before traffic gets a green signal. This should be done by the end of the year, but I will provide a further update once the technology upgrade is completed.

In addition, Blackshaws Road will have a permanent 24/7 truck ban in place once the Westgate Tunnel opens in December this year.

I’m always available to answer any questions you may have. You can call at 03 9399 9022 or email at melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au, or visit my office at 101 Douglas Parade, Williamstown VIC 3016.