Drivers on Plenty Road can look forward to a safer and less congested drive home, with early works on the Plenty Road upgrade set to get underway.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan today announced the start of detailed design and relocation of utilities, ahead of the start of major works early next year.
The upgrade works will add an additional lane in each direction along a 2.8km section of Plenty Road between McKimmies Road and Bush Boulevard, in addition to new safety barriers and on-road cycling lanes.
There will also be improvements to boost safety and traffic flow at the McKimmies Road, Mayfield Drive, Childs Road, Rivergum Drive, Centenary Drive and Bush Boulevard intersections.
Following extensive community consultation, Rivergum Drive will remain open and provide better access for locals with traffic lights to be included in the final designs for the intersection.
Buses will be given priority at some intersections, while the centre median will be preserved for any future tram line extension.
The Labor Government has invested $139.4 million to improve safety and travel times on Plenty Road between McKimmies Road and Bridge Inn Road, making it easier for people in the northern suburbs to access to jobs, schools and universities and community facilities.
Construction between McKimmies Road and Bush Boulevard is expected to start later this year and be completed by late 2018. Planning is also underway to upgrade Plenty Road between Bush Boulevard and Bridge Inn Road.
Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“We know drivers are sick of being stuck in traffic on Plenty Road – that’s why we’re starting early works to cut congestion and boost safety along this key route.”
Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’ve listened to the community, who’ve told us how important it is to keep Rivergum Drive open, so we’ve made this important change.”
Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
“The Andrews Labor Government is investing in the arterial roads people in the northern suburbs rely on – because we know how important roads like Plenty Road and Yan Yean Road are to the community.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks
“Plenty Road connects one of Australia’s fastest growing regions and this vital upgrade will get people to where they need to be sooner and safer.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020