The Victorian Government has released new designs of major intersections and 24/7 clearways to cut traffic jams, reduce delays and improve travel times on Hoddle Street and Punt Road in Melbourne.
Minister for Roads, Luke Donnellan, said the initiatives will improve traffic flow, boost reliability and deliver longer green lights on Victoria’s busiest arterial road.
The Victorian Government is proposing 24/7 clearways along the length of Hoddle Street, ending the frustration of getting stuck behind a parked car on the busy arterial road.
The move builds on the success of clearways introduced in 2016 along Punt Road, from Alexandra Avenue to Union Street, which have halved travel times on weekends and reduced delays outside of peak times.
Intersection upgrades at Swan Street, Johnston Street and Brunton Avenue will give more time on each green light – cutting average queue lengths from 340m to less than 100m.
The changes are expected to take five minutes off average travel times during the evening peak along Hoddle Street, and almost three minutes in the morning peak.
“These changes will cut traffic jams, reduce delays and mean more time moving on Hoddle Street and Punt Road,” Mr Donnellan said.
“Round-the-clock clearways, smarter intersections and state-of-the-art technology will make a real difference – with less time stuck in traffic, and more time at home with family and friends.”
Commuters on the DART bus service are also in for significant time savings and increased reliability with a free flowing journey off the Eastern Freeway exit ramp and a dedicated bus lane all day, all the way to Victoria Street.
The changes will cut travel time in half for tram passengers on Route 70 travelling down Swan Street to AAMI Park or Rod Laver Arena.
VicRoads CEO, John Merritt, said, “In the morning at the Johnston Street intersection, we’ll be able to give almost ten minutes extra green time in peak hour to people travelling north-south along Hoddle Street.”
There will also be safer bus and tram stops, separated cycling lanes and significant improvements for pedestrians walking from Richmond Station to the MCG, AAMI Park and other landmarks in the iconic sporting precinct.
Consultation on planned clearways is now underway with local residents and businesses. Construction is expected to start at the northern end of the corridor by the end of 2017.
