A 650-metre stretch of road providing residents with more convenient connections to work, education, shopping, public transport and recreation facilities is now open.
The $15 million Findon Road to Plenty Road extension delivers a critical new east-west link that will ease congestion and cut down on travel times.
Running from Williamsons Road to Danaher Drive, the extension is a significant investment by Whittlesea council in improving the local road network.
The extension features additional lanes, a walking and cycling path aligned to the existing Yan Yean Pipe Track and a road bridge over the underpass extension to Mernda, as well as street lighting, drainage and landscaping.
The connection from Danaher Drive to Plenty Road has been completed by a local developer.
Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said Whittlesea was committed to creating liveable neighbourhoods by improving the municipality’s transport network.
“This road extension is a critical piece of infrastructure which will in turn allow residents to spend less time in their cars, which will reduce congestion and benefit the environment,” she said. “Being able to travel safely and efficiently to and from work, school, shops, parks and community facilities is vital to improving the quality of life of our residents.
“I thank all residents for their patience while this complex project has been completed.”
The extension will see a more even distribution of traffic across the local road network, particularly relieving congestion on McDonalds Road and around the Mill Park Lakes residential area, council said.
It will also open up access to important commercial and employment precincts and improve links to bus and rail services.
The road has opened with temporary traffic signals in place at the intersection of Findon Road and Williamsons Road.
Permanent signals will be installed next financial year with the road expected to remain open throughout the installation.
