Stage one of the Plenty Road Upgrade has reached a major milestone as it nears completion, with all three southbound lanes opening today, four days after all three northbound lanes opened.

Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio today visited the upgraded Mayfield Drive intersection to inspect newly-opened northbound lanes.

Today all three southbound lanes open, completing the 5.6km of extra lanes and improving traffic flow for the 52,000 drivers travelling between McKimmies Road and Bush Boulevard every day.

Widening this key arterial route from four to six lanes will slash congestion, particularly during the morning and afternoon peak and better connect nearby residents with local jobs, schools, shops and parklands.

Construction crews have completed installation of safety barriers and switched on new traffic and pedestrian signals for a safer journey for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists on Plenty Road.

In addition to the lanes, new streetlights will soon begin operating, and intersection upgrades will be complete at McKimmies Road, Childs Road, Centenary Road and Bush Boulevard. Line marking will be complete by Monday.

As well as on-road cycling lanes, the shared user path between McKimmies Road and Bush Boulevard was recently opened, allowing both cyclists and pedestrians to travel on a dedicated wider path, away from traffic.

Landscaping will be completed by the end of July, with 71 Spotted Gums, seven Yellow Box, and 14 Smooth-barked Apple trees among the 19,000 new trees, plants and groundcover to be planted.

Decmil is delivering stage two of the Plenty Road Upgrade, with major construction between Bush Boulevard and Bridge Inn Road to commence later this year.

The Plenty Road Upgrade is a $178.6 million project, funded by the Andrews Labor Government and being delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio

“The first stage of the Plenty Road Upgrade is almost complete and will provide a safer and more efficient journey for Melbourne’s rapidly growing northern suburbs.”

“I’m so pleased we could complete this much-needed upgrade while also building a better environment for the community to enjoy.”