Following consultation with the local community, bus operators, and council officers, it was identified that school children were being picked up and dropped off at an undesignated bus stop located at the intersection of McManus Road and Portland/Sunny Corner Road. This unsafe arrangement created traffic hazards and congestion, as buses were forced to stop in live lanes at a poorly aligned intersection.
Council recognised the urgent need for a designated bus stop and turning circle that would enhance student safety, improve traffic flow, and support the area’s growing transport demands—while maintaining access to the adjacent Portland Cemetery.
Solve Civil was engaged to deliver a comprehensive civil works package, from survey and design through to construction, ensuring compliance with relevant Australian Standards and stakeholder expectations.
Key components of the project included:
Detailed surveying and civil design
Removal of obstructing trees
Slope stabilisation to support road formation
Eastbound and westbound shoulder widening
Construction of a sealed slip lane (westbound) and sealed turning lane (eastbound), including:
Earthworks
Pavement base course
Line marking and road signage
Sealed one-way service road connecting the new bus stop zone
Integration of new service road with future upgrades to Portland Cemetery access
Construction of a safe, designated bus zone
Parent parking area for safe drop-off and pick-up
Installation of a bus shelter for all-weather passenger comfort
Improved stormwater drainage systems along new lanes and service roads, connected to existing assets
Resealing of Portland Cemetery main access road
Spoon drain installation (left-hand side) and cross-drainage structure to divert stormwater efficiently across the site
The completed project has delivered a safer and more efficient bus stop zone, supporting:
Improved school transport safety for children during peak hours
Reduced congestion and better traffic flow at a historically problematic intersection
Future-proofed cemetery access through integrated roadworks and drainage upgrades
Positive community feedback and minimal disruption to cemetery users during works
Solve Civil worked collaboratively with Council Officers, utility providers, community members, and Portland Cemetery stakeholders to ensure the project was completed on time and within budget, with full environmental and safety compliance.
