Ground has broken at the northern end of Yan Yean road, marking the second stage of upgrades.
Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage led the sod turn on the afternoon of Friday 21 November, on the corner of Yan Yean and Doctor’s Gully road, where the new intersection will be.
“There’s not going to be much disruption to start with,” Ms Kathage said.
“During construction, people will be able to continue using the roundabout … while they build the new intersection in this paddock.”
The MP said another upgrade includes paving a walking path from the new intersection to Doreen Primary School.
An Australian-owned company, Decmil, has been appointed for the construction of the northern upgrades between Bridge Inn and Orchard roads.
Upgrades to the southern end, between Orchard Road and Kurrak Road, are set to begin mid-2026.
Ms Kathage said the works have been split up so that the lower section didn’t have to wait to get started.
“This means the project will be delivered smoothly and more quickly,” she said.
In 2018, more than 6000 people signed a petition to protect native trees during the upgrade.
Ms Kathage said protecting native trees has been a key part of the design.
“The team’s been really responsive to community feedback about… retaining as many trees as we can,” she said.
Doreen Recreation Reserve, at the corner of Bridge Inn Road and Yan Yean Road, has been closed for construction.
Painted Hills Ward councillor Deb Gunn said there are a number of other facilities available in Doreen and Mernda for the community to use during construction.
“If there are any queries, people from the community can contact myself or the council,” Cr Gunn said.
Ms Kathage said local cricket clubs have been working with Nillumbik and Whittlesea councils to find alternative pitches.
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell said the works have gone ahead because of the change of government.
“Federally we had a starvation of funds for nine years so these projects have been waiting and waiting,” Mr Mitchell said.
“By us three levels of government all working together, with the focus on our community first, we get the result.
“Its an exciting day to come and turn a bit of dirt.”
The overall Yan Yean Road upgrades are projected to be completed in 2029.
