Bristol Road and Surf Coast Highway, Torquay traffic light works to re

Published on 12 May 2026

Works to complete the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Bristol Road and Surf Coast Highway in Torquay will resume on Monday 25 May.

Once complete, this project will significantly improve safety and access. It will mean people will be able to safely cross with signalised crossings and drivers will be able to turn right from Bristol Road onto the highway.

The works will begin with a closure of Bristol Road at the Surf Coast Highway intersection for approximately three weeks.

The traffic impacts during this time are:

• Bristol Road will be closed at Surf Coast Highway.
• The road closure will be approximately 60 metres, to 75 Bristol Road.
• Access will be available to all Bristol Road properties, either behind the road closure via traffic management staff or in the remaining part of the road from the eastern end of Bristol Road only.
• When Bristol Road is closed at Surf Coast Highway, all traffic, including buses and large delivery vehicles will detour along Boston Road and Payne Street.
• Temporary no standing signs will be installed on the south side of Boston Road during the road closure works to allow for large vehicles and buses to use Boston Road and access businesses.
• South-bound (Great Ocean Road-bound) access on Surf Coast Highway will remain open, with one lane closed.
• North-bound (Geelong-bound) lanes of highway will be open as normal.
• Access to the petrol station will be maintained.
• Four bus stops will be temporarily closed.

The attached map shows the closure and detour routes.

Surf Coast Shire Council General Manager Placemaking and Environment, Chris Pike, said all efforts have been made to minimise the disruption while maintaining safety during the works.

“We understand these works will impact local traffic and businesses, and we have planned detours and temporary changes to keep people moving safely,” he said.

“We are asking delivery drivers to use Boston Road during this period, where temporary changes have been made to accommodate larger vehicles.”

Once Bristol Road reopens, works will continue through to late 2026 under traffic management, including single lane closures on both Bristol Road and Surf Coast Highway.

Motorists are advised to follow all traffic management directions and allow extra time.

The works to complete the installation of the traffic lights include:

• Installation of footings and traffic signals.
• Laying of conduit and cables for the traffic lights.
• Asphalting the south bound lanes of Surf Coast Highway and Bristol Road.
• Installation of public lighting around the upgraded intersection.

The works are expected to be completed and traffic lights up and running by the end of the year.

Mr Pike thanked the community for their patience and understanding with this project and the unexpected delays that have been encountered.

“We know this project hasn’t gone to plan and has taken a lot longer than we all anticipated so thanks for bearing with us while we finish the job.”

“We are now looking forward to seeing the project completed by the end of the year.”

Follow the project at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/BristolRoadTrafficLights