Highway Traffic Moves Early on Yarra Glen Bypass

 

The Yarra Glen Truck Bypass will open to traffic next week ahead of schedule, the Victorian Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallas announced today.

Mr Pallas said the project would attract highway through-traffic away from the centre of the Yarra Glen township, improving access for local residents and visitors to the area.

“From next week motorists travelling beyond Yarra Glen can use the new 1.4 kilometre bypass east of the town, which connects the Healesville-Yarra Glen Road and Old Healesville Road,” Mr Pallas said.

“More than 1200 trucks drive along Bell Street each day, so diverting much of the current truck traffic away from the town centre will improve safety and make it easier for visitors to enjoy this pretty and historic town at the gateway to the Yarra Valley.”

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the latest milestone and said the community would reap the benefits of the bypass opening more than a month ahead of schedule.

“The Rudd Labor Government is working in partnership with the Brumby Labor Government to improve our regional road network, create jobs and improve safety for motorists across the state,” Mr Albanese said.

“Importantly, the bypass will help reduce delays and highway congestion over busy holiday periods for visitors exploring the Yarra Valley and travelling beyond Yarra Glen.”

Member for Seymour Ben Hardman said major works were continuing on the Melba Highway north of Yarra Glen, including construction of the Old Healesville Road roundabout and nearby works around the Steels Creek bridge.

“Opening the new link now will bring forward important road safety benefits for the local community and fast-track construction of the Melba Highway and Old Healesville Road connection,” Mr Hardman said.

“Local traffic won’t be affected by the next stage of works and highway drivers will be able to access the town through the new bypass. Signs are reinforcing the road changes and the message that it’s business as usual directing traffic into Yarra Glen.”

VicRoads will monitor traffic movements during the coming weeks as works continue at the Old Healesville Road roundabout and efforts will be made to minimise delays and closures.

The next phase of the project will commence in coming months when construction starts on the Bell Street roundabout at the southern end of Yarra Glen.

VicRoads has been finalising the roundabout design in response to community feedback on local access, and to accommodate the future operation of the Yarra Glen’s Tourist Railway.

Yarra Ranges councillor Jeanette McRae welcomed the progress made to date on the bypass and said the early opening was great news and would help create a safer environment for locals, visitors and shoppers.

“We look forward to the completion of all works so that drivers, shoppers, visitors, and Yarra Glen’s traders can enjoy the full benefits of this important project,” Cr McCrae said.

The $15 million Yarra Glen Truck Bypass includes a $9 million contribution from the State Government, $5.5 million from the Commonwealth Government and $500,000 from the Yarra Ranges Council.