The Andrews Labor Government is calling for expressions of interest to widen Warrandyte Bridge and relieve pressure on one Melbourne’s most dangerous and congested bottlenecks.
Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan and VicRoads are seeking applications from construction companies for the $5.1 million upgrade, which will expand the bridge to three lanes.
The upgrade includes the construction of new cycling and pedestrian paths across the Yarra River and a wider Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Road and Research-Warrandyte Road intersection with new traffic lights.
These works will improve the safety of local residents by reducing evacuation times over the bridge by 90 minutes.
Local drivers currently experience significant traffic congestion and long delays when crossing the bridge, particularly during peak times.
Consultation has helped shape a wider and safer bridge which balances the needs of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and local residents.
As a result of this feedback, Labor Government is extending the scope of the project to include an additional turning lane eastbound on Yarra Street to improve traffic flow during the busy afternoon peak.
Expressions of Interest will close at the end of January with the contract for the upgrade to be awarded in March next year.
Construction is expected to begin in April 2017.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan
“For many years, the local community has been concerned and frustrated by congestion and delays on the Warrandyte Bridge and we’re getting on with fixing it.”
“We’re putting people first by widening the bridge – making it safer, more reliable and providing Warrandyte residents with more certainty, particularly in an emergency.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020