Residents in Melbourne’s north east have had the first look at updated designs for Victoria’s biggest ever transport infrastructure project – the North East Link.
Land bridges, express lanes and new ramp signals are included in the new designs, showing how local roads will connect to North East Link through new interchanges, where lanes will be added and where land bridges are likely to be built.
The interchanges have been designed to limit the impacts on residential areas, parks and community facilities.
The North East Link Authority has been working through the design with the community and businesses since a route for the project was announced in November 2018.
Work to date has focused on how to get trucks off streets, cut travel times and minimise the impact on residents and the environment.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, said, “These detailed designs show our commitment to protecting homes, businesses and the environment – the North East Link has been designed to reduce the need for acquisitions and protect environmentally sensitive areas.”
The designs are not final and the North East Link Authority will continue to develop plans based on feedback and further environmental and engineering studies.
The Victorian Government announced $110 million as part of the Victorian Budget 2018-19 to fast-track planning and a full reference design, which will guide construction, to be released in 2018.
A re-elected Labor Government will start procurement for the $16.5 billion North East Link within 100 days of the November 2018 state election.
When finished, motorists will save up to 30 minutes travelling between Melbourne’s north and south, with a faster trip to the airport for residents in Melbourne’s east.
