Grovedale roads to close for intersection upgrade

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan, Grovedale PS principal Tina Barnett, school captains Isabelle Petsas and Amaya Lesko, Corangamite MP Libby Coker and assistant principal Graham Byworth. (Supplied)

Improvements to a roundabout in Grovedale early next year will mean two busy roads will be closed for much of January.

With the intersection of Marshalltown Road and Bailey Street undergoing improvements as part of the federal government’s BlackSpot Safety program, both roads will be closed from January 3-25.

Many residents are likely to be affected by the road closures, with Champions IGA supermarket, Grovedale Primary School and Nido Early School childcare all within close proximity to the intersection.

The works will focus on road and pedestrian safety, with council saying it would result in an “extensive list of improvements” including wombat crossings, street light upgrades, new footpaths, kerb and channel enhancements and drainage improvements.

Footpath pram ramps will be installed, as will new signage and line-marking and asphalt overlays on all approaches to the intersection.

Federal member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the upgrades would go a long way to improving safety for Grovedale residents.

“I’d like to once again thank everyone in the Grovedale community who advocated for this much-needed upgrade, and also emphasise that the safety of construction workers and local residents must be a top priority as works get underway in January next year,” she said.

The intersection was one of the priority areas selected for improvement in the 2023-24 BlackSpot Safety program, and Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the road closures were necessary to prioritise “ the safety of our residents, construction staff, and all road users while enhancing the overall experience of our town.”

Geelong council warned local residents and commuters to expect delays, plan alternate routes where possible and follow detour and roadwork signs.

“We acknowledge that there will be disruptions, the City sincerely appreciates the patience and understanding of our residents and road users as we carry out these essential roadworks,” Mayor Sullivan said.

Visit geelongaustralia.com.au for more information and updates on the Marshalltown Road/Bailey Street closures.