A milestone was reached today with the lifting of concrete beams for the new bridge which will replace the existing narrow single-lane bluestone bridge as the main thoroughfare for two-way traffic.
The Brumby Government is taking action to improve roads across Victoria and these bridgeworks are an important local project. "These bridgeworks are an important local road component of the $39 million Hume Freeway - Donnybrook Road interchange project," Ms Beattie said.
"The full interchange is scheduled for completion by mid 2009 and will eliminate the Hume Freeway-Donnybrook Road intersection, but for local people, upgrading of Donnybrook Road which involves replacing the old single lane Kalkallo Creek crossing is very important.
"The new bridge will greatly improve safety and ease congestion along Donnybrook Road which carries approximately 2,000 vehicles per day including 200 trucks travelling to and from the Hume Freeway.
"With the foundations now complete and concrete beams being placed, the bridge is on track for opening later this year. When this occurs Donnybrook Road traffic will be shifted across, and the historic bluestone bridge which dates back to 1876 can be preserved for local access and recreational use.
"Landscape planting and the creation of new wetlands within Kalkallo Creek are included in the works to enhance the habitat of the endangered Growling Grass Frog, which is a positive result for the local community.
"Freeway interchange works are also progressing well including foundations for the new Donnybrook Road bridge over the Hume Freeway, and the new road approaches," Ms Beatie said.
Federal Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou said that the Donnybrook Road interchange will provide more efficient road access north of Melbourne and along the Hume Freeway, with the interchange to significantly reduce accidents at this location.
"In the five years to December 2006, 22 crashes had been recorded at the Hume Freeway-Donnybrook Road intersection" Ms Vamvakinou said.
"The Melbourne-Sydney transport corridor is one of the busiest freight routes on the Auslink network.
"When completed all road users including the road freight industry and its customers, will enjoy the significant economic benefits from this investment in our national highway network.
"It is pleasing that the project is progressing on schedule and that local people will enjoy some early benefits with these improvements to Donnybrook Road," Ms Vamvakinou said.
BMD Constructions is VicRoads contractor for the $39 million Donnybrook Road interchange project which is funded by the Australian Government under the Auslink Bilateral Agreement.
Media Contact:
Victorian Government: Liz Beattie: 9305 7177
Australian Government: Alex Kouttab: 0417 541 465
