- Published:
- Sunday 14 April 2019
Drivers are another step closer to a fully upgraded Plenty Road from Mill Park to Mernda, with the contract for stage two works between Bush Boulevard and Bridge Inn Road awarded to Decmil.
The second stage of the Andrews Labor Government’s $178.6 million upgrade includes an additional lane in each direction to boost capacity and the installation of new safety barriers to keep drivers safe.
This work is separate to the works recently conducted by a private developer and will see twelve major intersections upgraded, including Waterview Boulevard, Francesca Drive and Bridge Inn Road where traffic lights will be added to boost traffic flow and improve access for local residents.
Plenty Road will be widened from four lanes to six lanes between Bush Boulevard and Riverdale Boulevard, and from two lanes to four lanes between Riverdale Boulevard and Bridge Inn Road.
After extensive community feedback, we are also replacing the roundabout at Bridge Inn Road with traffic lights in preparation for the Suburban Roads Upgrade of Bridge Inn Road between Plenty and Yan Yean Roads.
Construction will commence later this year following contractor site establishment and design development works which will be getting underway soon. Stage two is due to be complete by mid-2021.
Plenty Road is a key arterial route through some of Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs and links the communities of Whittlesea, Doreen and Mernda to Melbourne.
This important upgrade work will slash congestion, particularly during the morning and afternoon peak, and improve access to local jobs, schools, shops and parklands for the 35,000 motorists using this road each day. Traffic management will be in place during the works including lane changes and some reduced speed limits.
Stage one of the upgrade is well underway and will add a new lane in each direction between McKimmies Road and Bush Boulevard and the upgrade of five intersections for 52,000 drivers travelling on this section every day.
Work on the first stage will also improve cyclist and pedestrian safety with wider and smoother pathways and the installation of safety barriers. Stage one of the upgrade is expected to be complete by mid-2019.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“Plenty Road connects some of Victoria’s fastest growing regions and we’re keeping up with this growth by getting on with the second stage of this vital project.”
“This is yet another key upgrade in Melbourne’s north, along with Yan Yean Road and O’Herns Road, so we can get people where they need to be sooner and safer.”
Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
“Getting on with upgrading Plenty Road means faster, smoother and safer journeys for everyone living in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio
“The first stage of the Plenty Road Upgrade is nearing completion and along with stage two will bring major relief to the tens of thousands of motorists who use this key route through Melbourne’s north every day.”