Bluestone bridge over Plenty River
Now that the new bridge over Plenty River is open with one lane in each direction, we’re continuing works to have all four lanes on the 68-metre bridge open later in 2024. We’ve also turned our attention to converting the existing bluestone bridge into a shared walking and cycling path.
The original bluestone bridge over Plenty River in Mernda was built in 1867.
The three span bridge stood in its original form until 1975, when it underwent major rehabilitation to accommodate the increase in traffic demand and capacity.
Our works on the bluestone bridge will include:
- upgrading the handrails
- removing the existing asphalt
- building a new concrete deck while retaining the original heritage bluestone structure
- landscaping works.
Vantage Point Boulevard update
Works to upgrade the intersection of Vantage Point Boulevard and Bridge Inn Road are continuing. As part of these works we’re building new lanes, kerbs and traffic islands, and installing new traffic signals. We’re also relocating and protecting a range of critical underground services including gas, water, electricity and telecommunications.
Service relocations are some of our most challenging work, as they rely upon third-party asset owners who are responsible for managing and maintaining existing services right across metropolitan Melbourne.
Their availability is at times affected by storms, fire and flood, as is the case with the recent state-wide power outages following recent storms in Victoria. As a result, the works at Vantage Point Boulevard have been delayed and the intersection is now scheduled to reopen in late April 2024.
We’re continuing to work with the utility asset owners to ensure this work is completed with minimal impact to services and the public.
Thank you for your continued patience while we complete these important works.
Bassetts Road is open
Bassetts Road is now open to traffic at Bridge Inn Road following major works to upgrade the intersection.
During the closure we installed drainage and kerbing, poured asphalt, prepared the intersection for traffic signals and built traffic islands.
The Bassetts Road intersection will operate with temporary give way signage until the traffic lights are switched on when Vantage Point Boulevard is reopened.
Temporary closure of Painted Hills Road
In early March we closed Painted Hills Road so we can safely upgrade the intersection and continue building the eastbound lanes. This closure will be in place until late June 2024.
Detours will be in place via Bassetts, Cookes and Yan Yean road.
Construction impacts
Our construction activities may generate varying levels of noise, dust and vibration at times. We’ll have measures in place to ensure these impacts are minimised.
Most our works will take place between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday and 7am to 5pm, Saturdays. The progress of our works will depend on weather and ground conditions.
There will be intermittent lane closures on Bridge Inn Road over the next few months. When we need to work at night, we’ll let you know ahead of time.