By Laura Michell
COVID-19 might have sent most of Melbourne into lockdown but it’s not stopping work on three major road projects from going ahead.
Major Road Project Victoria (MRPV) is taking advantage of the quieter roads and continuing its work to upgrade O’Herns and Plenty roads and the M80 Ring Road.
Program director Susana Fueyo Suarez said all three projects were progressing well.
“Works on major road projects underway in Melbourne’s rapidly growing north are moving ahead and we’re looking to progress works in an effort to reduce further disruptions,” she said.
“At a time when traffic flow is reduced, our teams, currently working on the second stage of the O’Herns and Plenty road upgrades along with the M80 improvements, are getting on with delivering as much work as they can safely do.”
The second stage of the $178.6 million Plenty Road upgrade will duplicate seven kilometres of the road between Bush Boulevard and Bridge Inn Road. It is due for completion in mid-2021.
MRPV is also in the second stage of works on O’Herns Road which includes the construction of a Hume Freeway interchange.
MRPV said embankments for the entry and exit ramps have started taking shape, with piling supports for a bridge currently under construction.
Early works such as geotechnical investigations, site assessment and service relocations are underway on the M80 Ring Road ahead of a $518 million upgrade between Sydney and Edgars roads. The upgrade is due for completion in 2023.
The Major Transport Infrastructure Authority (MITA) has put strict safety protocols in place to allow work to continue on major projects across the state.
A safety team comprising 70 staff is overseeing the project sites, carrying out inspections and monitoring social distancing regulations to ensure the health and wellbeing of workers.
Workers found not to be following the Department of Health and Human Services’ coronavirus protocols are required to be re-inducted on coronavirus site requirements by the contractor.
“Project sites have strict rules in place around physical distancing, increased industrial cleaning and provisions of personal protective equipment,” MITA director-general Corey Hannett said.
“There are measures in place to make sure workers and sites are complying with the strict new health regulations.
“The construction sector is currently considered an essential service and we are working closely with industry partners, unions, employers and workers to protect both their safety and jobs.”
