Contract awarded to upgrade Australia’s Plenty Road
The Victorian Government in Australia has fast-tracked works on the Plenty Road Upgrade, with major works to start within weeks. Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan announced that DECMIL has won the contract for the first stage of the $139.4 million upgrade.
The first stage, between McKimmies Road and Bush Boulevard, will see an extra lane added in each direction to boost capacity, as well as the installation of new safety barriers and on-road cycling lanes.
Five major intersections will be upgraded, including the intersections at Childs Road and Centenary Drive.
Traffic lights will be installed at Rivergum Drive to reduce delays and improve access for local residents.
Major works will begin in the coming weeks once early works are complete, including the design relocation of essential services such as telephone, water and electricity.
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.
Traffic management will be in place during the works including lane changes and some reduced speed limits. Detours will be in place for cyclists.
Work on the first stage of the upgrade are expected to be completed by early 2019 with further planning currently underway on stage two between Bush Boulevard and Bridge Inn Road.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan, said: “We’re investing in the local roads that people in Melbourne’s north rely on every day. Whether it’s Plenty Road, Yan Yean Road, O’Herns Road or the M80 Ring Road, we’re building the roads these growing communities need.”
Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio, said: “We know how important traffic lights at Rivergum Drive are for the community. We’ve listened to their feedback and we’re helping ease congestion for tens of thousands of drivers who use this key route every day.”
