By Laura Michell
Motorists are a step closer to a faster and safer journey along Plenty Road with the second stage of the arterial road’s upgrade now under way.
Stage two of the $178.6 million upgrade targets seven kilometres between Bush Boulevard and Bridge Inn Road.
This part of Plenty Road is used by 35,000 motorists daily.
The upgrade will create an extra lane in each direction. Nine slip lanes will be created along the seven kilometre stretch, allowing motorists to merge onto Plenty Road more smoothly.
Twelve key intersections, including Waterview Drive and Francesca Drive, will be upgraded and traffic lights will be added at the Bridge Inn Road intersection.
A signalised right-hand turn for northbound motorists will be created at the Bellevue Boulevard intersection, creating safer turning access.
Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio said feedback from community consultation sessions in 2017 had been taken into consideration when planning for the second stage of the upgrade.
“I’m excited to see these upgrades come to life on the northern stretch of Plenty Road. When complete, our community will enjoy better driving, cycling and walking experiences in the north,” she said. “In addition to improved travel times, I’m looking forward to the Plenty Road upgrade delivering safer roads, new bike paths and walking connections for our local community.”
Stage one of the upgrade is almost complete, with additional lanes operational between McKimmies Road and Bush Boulevard.
Lighting and signal completion works are expected to finish in the coming weeks.
Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said the second stage of the upgrade is expected to finish in 2021. “Delivering the full Plenty Road Upgrade will slash congestion, improve safety, and connect communities,” she said.
