- Published:
- Thursday 12 April 2018
Drivers can expect longer green lights and shorter queues at the intersection of Hoddle Street and Johnston Street, when new P-turns come into effect on April 16.
P-turns boost green light time and, as part of the wider Streamlining Hoddle Street works, will help to reduce travel time and increase reliability of Melbourne’s busiest arterial road.
Drivers wanting to turn right from Hoddle street into Johnston Street will now head straight through the intersection and make a u-turn at new turning lanes past Johnston Street. They’ll then be able to turn left into Johnson Street.
Additional signage, lights and road markings will be used to guide drivers.
The Streamlining Hoddle Street project includes intersection upgrades at Hoddle Street and Johnston Street and Punt Road and Swan Street, as well as the creation of an extra lane onto the Eastern Freeway.
VicRoads is continuing to work to reduce impacts and disruptions to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists who use Hoddle Street.
Following a construction blitz in January, three lanes remain open along the Hoddle Street upgrade zone near Johnston Street and, as crews continue this work, there will be some additional traffic changes.
Following the opening of the P-turn intersections, there will be added temporary parking restrictions on Hoddle Street between Truro Street and Vere Street. This will allow crews to rebuild footpaths and construct new kerbs.
Importantly, the dedicated southbound bus lane will be maintained during an extended morning peak period from 6am to 10am to keep public transport moving.
The Eastern Freeway will be closed outbound over two nights in May around the Hoddle Street overpass, as crews relocate 35m high light poles near the Hoddle Street entrance and exit ramps. Diversions will be in place for night traffic and drivers are being advised to allow up to 20 minutes extra travel time.
The first stage of upgrade works between Vere Street and the Eastern Freeway will be completed in mid-2018.
Final service investigations and design are well underway for the next section of the upgrade at the intersection of Punt Road and Swan Street.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“We know that the road works on Hoddle Street have been frustrating – but need to get this work done to keep Melbourne’s busiest arterial road moving.”
“These new P-turns will take some getting used to – but they mean we can give drivers on Hoddle Street longer green lights while still allowing right turns in and out of Johnston Street.”
“We want to particularly thank local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while we get on with this vital project.”