Works have started at the O’Herns Road and High Street intersection with stage one due for completion by mid 2018.
A new intersection and interchange with the Hume Freeway will ‘make it easier for people to access the Cooper Street Employment Area, Epping Activity Centre, and the Melbourne Wholesale Market.’
Federal (Liberal) Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said works were now underway on the O’Herns Road and High Street intersection upgrade.
“This project will transform the way residents move across Melbourne’s north via a new interchange with direct access to the Hume Freeway from O’Herns Road, additional lanes on O’Herns Road between the freeway and Redding Rise, and traffic lights at the O’Herns Road and High Street intersection,” Fletcher said.
“Melbourne’s north is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country and this project is in line with Australian Government’s commitment to deliver major infrastructure improvements that better connect communities.”
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the project would improve connections and encourage economic and jobs growth across the region.
“We’re reducing traffic queues and easing congestion for the more than 30,000 drivers who rely on the O’Herns Road and High Street intersection every day,” Donnellan said.
Victorian (Liberal) Senator James Paterson said the interchange will provide a direct route between the northern suburbs and Melbourne’s CBD.
“This project will help people to get home safer and sooner and create opportunities for businesses right across the region,” Paterson said.
Member for Thomastown and Labor party whip Bronwyn Halfpenny said the upgrade will make it easier for thousands of drivers to travel around Melbourne’s north.
“The interchange will feature new on and off ramps, providing a direct route to the Melbourne CBD, and improved connections to suburbs including Epping, Wollert and Craigieburn,” Halfpenny said.
Stage two of the project includes building a new interchange at O’Herns Road to provide easier access to the Hume Freeway with completion due in late 2019.
The $81 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments under the Commonwealth’s $3 billion Victorian Infrastructure Package.
Workers will do their best to minimise disruptions to residents, businesses and visitors and access to nearby homes, businesses and the Epping Country Fire Authority (CFA) will remain open at all times.
Speed limits near the O’Herns Road and High Street intersection may be reduced to 40km/h at times to protect the safety of workers and road users.
Traffic lane closures will occur throughout construction with delays expected. It may be necessary to implement temporary detours for pedestrians and cyclists.
If travelling through the area plan your journey, allow extra travel time or seek an alternative route.
For more information about this project you can get in touch by email to ohernsroad@roads.vic.gov.au or by calling (03) 8572 7946.
