Preliminary works on a $7.7 million safety upgrade for Ocean Grove’s busy Grubb Road are now underway, ensuring the site is ready for major construction in 2025.

Crews are now on site to complete essential service relocation works along Grubb Road, between Adco Grove and north of Smithton Grove. These works will take approximately eight weeks.

Major works are due to start in 2025 and will include the installation of traffic lights to make turning in and out of the growing Grubb Road industrial estate safer and easier for everyone.

Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, welcomed the commencement of early works and said the route was crucial for the local community as well as the various industries who rely on the road to keep their products on the move.

As part of the overhaul, new dedicated turning lanes will be installed to improve traffic flow on Grubb Road, along with new pedestrian-operated crossings, a new traffic island and new bus stops.

While on the ground, crews will also install a new footpath for pedestrians to easily access the new bus bays as well as upgrading street lighting to improve visibility for all road users at the intersection.

Grubb Road is a key entry and exit route for Ocean Grove locals, providing an important connection with Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula for residents, businesses, workers and visitors to the region.

Ms Coker recently joined State Member for the Bellarine, Alison Marchant, and members of the Ocean Grove Community Association to celebrate the start of early works.

“Grubb Road is such an important link to the North Bellarine and Geelong for so many locals in Ocean Grove – they have been calling for this upgrade for years, and it’s now getting underway,” Ms Coker said.

“This project was announced in 2018 by the former federal government but was seriously underfunded, which is why it’s taken such a long time to get off the ground.”

“In the 2024-25 Budget, the Albanese Government committed the additional $2.7 million required to get the job done. This will deliver the upgrades that Grubb Road desperately needs to ensure safe travels for motorists, workers, and local residents – it’s an awesome outcome.”

“I’d like to thank the Ocean Grove Community Association for its ongoing advocacy to deliver this project – they were present at the initial consultation and now we are standing together in celebration.”

The $7.7 million project is fully funded by the Australian Government and is designed to improve safety and connectivity for the 14,000 drivers who travel the road each day.

For information about the roadworks and planned traffic management, please visit: transport.vic.gov.au/news-and-resources/projects/grubb-road-and-smithton-grove-intersection-upgrade.