The Victorian Government has released preliminary designs for four upgraded intersections along the Hoddle Street-Punt Road corridor which aim to reduce congestion.
The Streamlining Hoddle Street project uses new intersection configurations, including continuous flow intersections, to improve travel times for 330,000 users who travel along the corridor every day.
“The community has played an important role in the development of these designs to ensure Victorians spend less time stuck in traffic,” Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said.
“Hoddle Street is a vital link in our network and a key connection to the CBD; we’re making it easier for people heading to the CBD or our world class events precinct.”
The preliminary designs will transform the intersections of Swan Street, Brunton Avenue, Johnston Street and the Eastern Freeway.
At the intersection of Hoddle and Swan Street the principles of continuous flow will be used to reduce congestion caused by right turning vehicles and features new on-road bicycle lanes along Swan Street and Olympic Boulevard.
At Brunton Avenue the removal of one right hand turning lane will make it safer for pedestrians who travel through the area on the way to the sports and events precinct.
Right hand turns will also be removed at the Johnston Street intersection in place of P-turn to keep traffic moving and cut down on the delays many drivers normally experience.
A third on-ramp lane for the Eastern Freeway will also be added heading outbound.
These intersections have been identified as a focus along Hoddle Street due to their importance for both north-south and east-west movement particularly after major events.
The preliminary designs were developed in 2015 through community input and technical investigations.
In 2015, the community who live, work and visit the area were asked about their travel experiences along the corridor, with feedback playing a key role in developing the current intersection designs.
The designs also seek to improve safety, access and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians.
Construction of the new intersection layouts is expected to start in mid-2017.