Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in Melbourne’s north are another step closer to safer and more reliable travel, with work set to begin on the much-needed Bridge Inn Road Upgrade. The Upgrade has reached a major milestone with the construction contract to deliver the project awarded to Laing O’Rourke.
Melbourne’s north is one of the country’s fastest-growing regions. The upgrade will widen Bridge Inn Road from 2 lanes to 6 lanes near Plenty Road and to 4 lanes at the eastern end, improving access to Mernda Railway Station and Mernda Town Centre.
The vital project will deliver more reliable journeys for thousands of drivers and integrate with Plenty Road Upgrade Stage 2 and Yan Yean Road Upgrade Stage 2.
A new bridge will be built over the Plenty River with the existing bluestone Morang Bridge to be retained. The 154-year-old heritage bridge will soon be repurposed into a walking and cycling path, offering the community a spectacular view over Plenty River.
New walking and cycling paths will be added along Bridge Inn Road and safety barriers will be installed to improve safety for all road users.
Traffic lights will be installed near Ivanhoe Grammar School, including a pedestrian crossing to improve access for students and families to local schools.
New street lighting, road signage, drainage and landscaping will be installed.
The upgrade will reduce congestion and bring down travel times, while boosting safety and connecting communities across the growing outer northern suburbs. This project forms part of the record investment to upgrade suburban roads across Melbourne creating more than 4,500 Victorian jobs and supporting a further 11,000 indirect jobs.
Major construction on the Bridge Inn Road Upgrade is expected to start in the first half of 2022 and be completed by 2025.
