Four companies have been shortlisted to deliver works on the $110 million Chandler Highway Upgrade in Victoria, removing two major traffic bottlenecks plaguing drivers.
"We're fixing the bottlenecks along the Chandler Highway which was recently nominated the third worst spot for traffic congestion in Victoria, in RACV's annual Redspot survey," Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan said.
BMD, CPB Contractors, Laing O’Rourke and Seymour Whyte have been shortlisted to submit tenders for the upgrade. the winning contractor expected to be announced before the end of the year.
According to the government release, each of the four shortlisted companies have demonstrated an innovative design as well as an understanding of the specific needs of the project, and they will now be given the time to refine their designs over the coming months.
At least 44,000 motorists will be benefiting from this much needed upgrade on the Chandler Highway. Works will include the widening of the highway to six lanes and the construction of a new bridge over the Yarra River.
"Motorists will be able to spend more time at home with their families with a travel time saving of 8 minutes during the AM peak and 13 minutes during the PM peak," Minister Donnellan said.
The Heidelberg Road intersection will be upgraded as well, and safety will be improved by installing traffic lights at Yarra Boulevard.
The Chandler Highway Bridge – a historic 125-year-old bridge – is going to be converted into a shared-user path for pedestrians and cyclists. A new underpass will be created near Yarra Boulevard, allowing cyclists cross the highway.
"We're making it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to get around by creating new links and separating paths from general traffic," Member for Northcote Fiona Richardson said.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2017 and completed by mid-2018.
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Source: Premier of Victoria