One of South Morang’s busiest intersections is set to receive an “ultimate” upgrade.
Whittlesea council plans to spend $12.9 million to improve the intersection of Findon Road, Ferres Boulevard and The Lakes Boulevard to ease traffic congestion.
The work, which council officers labelled the “ultimate” upgrade, involves completely rebuilding the intersection and installing traffic lights, more lanes in each direction, slip lanes, shared bicycle paths and a three-lane bridge across Findon Creek. The busy intersection provides the only connection to the civic centre, Plenty Valley Shopping Centre and South Morang transport hub for residents of South Morang and Epping.
A council traffic volumes report stated that over a one-hour period during the morning peak, the intersection is used by more than 2250 vehicles. The report also stated that 2680 vehicles pass through the intersection over a one-hour period in the evening peak.
Speaking at the August 8 council meeting, councillor Sam Alessi said he hoped the work would streamline traffic, noting that the location of the civic centre and train station exacerbated the congestion problem.
“This particular precinct in relation to traffic is terrible,” he said.
Mayor Ricky Kirkham said the intersection was listed as a high priority in the council’s road and public transport plan.
“Projects like this are what matters to the community – getting them home safely and quickly,” he said.
The work is expected to begin next year and be finished by the end of 2019.
