The Victorian Government has awarded the contract to upgrade Bridge Inn Road, in Melbourne’s north, as part of the $2.27 billion Suburban Roads Upgrade – South Eastern Roads and Northern Roads package.
Laing O’Rourke won the contract, which includes the installation of a new walking and cycling path along Bridge Inn Road, as well as the installation of safety barriers. Three new signalised intersection and a pedestrian crossing will also be installed, along with street lighting, road signage, drainage, and landscaping.
A new bridge will also be built over the Plenty River, with the existing bluestone Morang Bridge to be retained and upgraded.
Federal Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said the Bridge Inn Road Upgrade will help reduce travel times and improve congestion across the northern suburbs.
“Melbourne’s north is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and the Australian Government is committed to delivering these vital infrastructure projects to support this growth,” Fletcher said.
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“This project is one of many critical infrastructure projects to receive funding from the Morrison Government as part of its record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia’s economic recovery.”
“By alleviating congestion on roads like this one, we’re helping people to get home to their families sooner and safer, we’re helping freight move more quickly between our cities, and we’re generating jobs across the country.”
Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the upgrade includes duplicating 3.5 kilometres of Bridge Inn Road from two lanes to four lanes from Plenty Road to Yan Yean Road, improving access to Mernda Railway Station and Mernda Town Centre.
“Adding additional lanes in each direction will slash congestion and create safer journeys for the thousands of drivers who rely on Bridge Inn Road every day,” Allan said.
“We’re delivering the projects Victorians need – making it easier and more accessible for locals to get to where they need to go.”
Construction is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to be completed in 2025.