By Afraa Kori and Laura Michell
The morning commute will get quicker for Kalkallo residents amid plans to create a left-turn lane at the Donnybrook Road- Mitchell Street roundabout and new exit from the Cloverton estate.
As reported by Star Weekly, residents of the Cloverton estate experience extensive delays when exiting the estate in the morning as a result of traffic on nearby Donnybrook Road.
With vehicles travelling from Mickleham to the Hume Freeway given right of way at the Donnybrook Road-Mitchell Street roundabout, motorists coming from Kalkallo and Donnybrook are being left to sit in long lines of traffic.
A petition to state Parliament was created earlier this year, calling for roadworks to improve the traffic flow at the roundabout to alleviate the congestion.
On October 19, Yuroke MP Ros Spence, who backed the community petition, announced the state government would spend $6 million to build a left-turn slop lane at the roundabout.
On October 27, developer Stockland announced it would begin construction of the Cloverton Boulevard Bridge, connecting Klandy Drive and Donnybrook Road, and in turn, creating an alternative exit from the Cloverton estate.
Stockland said the bridge will help to ease congestion and improve traffic flow.
The bridge is expected to cost about $16 million and will be funded by Stockland in partnership with Hume and Whittlesea councils.
Stockland said the 390-metre bridge will cross the Merri Creek conservation reserve and has been designed to minimise impact on the reserve, acknowledging and respecting its cultural heritage and environmental significance.
Stockland project director James Westh said the bridge was a key piece of road infrastructure in Cloverton.
“Together with the state government’s recent announcement to upgrade the Mitchell Street roundabout, these projects will help to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow for around 7000 residents travelling to and from work, schools, and nearby shops,” he said.
“The design of the bridge – with clear space between bridge piers and culverts every 50 metres – ensures minimal disturbance and prioritises the protection of the Merri Creek
conservation reserve.
“We understand the importance of the bridge to the community, which will enhance the connectivity and liveability of our residents.”
Ms Spence said: “I’m so pleased that both the Cloverton Boulevard Bridge and the Mitchell Street roundabout upgrade are taking place.
“Together, these two projects will really help alleviate the traffic pressure in Kalkallo and save residents travel time.”
