We all know how frustrating it was to get stuck in traffic on the old Chandler Highway Bridge.
With more than 44,000 drivers relying on the Bridge every day, the old two-lane bridge caused a significant bottle neck and traffic congestion, particularly during morning and afternoon peak periods.
Now, thanks to the Andrews Government’s $110 million Chandler Highway Upgrade, drivers are enjoying huge improvements in their journeys, with less congestion and travel times slashed by almost 50 per cent.
Cyclists and pedestrians will also enjoy new, safer facilities and improved connections to surrounding trails.
The project, which has seen the bridge widened to accommodate six lanes of traffic and upgrades to intersections at Heidelberg Road and Yarra, is now almost complete.
All six lanes are now open, with the final two lanes opened to traffic in mid-march 2019.
A new underpass for pedestrians and cyclists has also been completed, linking the Main Yarra Trail from east to west on the south side of the Yarra River. A new ramp has also been built from the Main Yarra Trail to Yarra Boulevard, so pedestrians and cyclist no longer have to navigate the 70 odd steps that once inhibited travel along the trail.
The underpass is now also home to an incredible 60 meter long collaborative artwork, painted by local Wurundjeri artists. It was my great pleasure to participate in the unveiling of this mural which is indicative of the ongoing collaboration between Traditional Owners and the project team.
Throughout 2019 works will continue on landscaping and the conversion of the 128-year-old heritage bridge into a dedicated pedestrian and cycling path. These works will ensure the historical significance of the bridge is acknowledged and retained, while ensuring future generations will be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Together, these works are bringing new life to a landmark that has been part of our community for over a century. Now, rather than a source of frustration and delays, it is an asset to the community.
This has been a long journey that began with a strong community campaign led by the former Labor Member for Northcote, Fiona Richardson and been made possible by the hard work and input of countless individuals.
I am so proud to be part of a Government that is committed to investing critical infrastructure and has delivered this important project to ensure our community has the facilities we need now, and into the future.
I am looking forward to celebrating the completion of the final elements of this project with our community soon.
For more information on this project you can head to https://roadprojects.vic.gov.au/projects/chandler-highway-upgrade
