Work is starting soon on a major upgrade of Plenty Road that will upgrade bike infrastructure on the off-road path as well as providing space for the fast roadies riding on the arterial itself.
The $139 million project is adding more traffic lanes and upgrading intersections to one of the key corridors to Melbourne’s burgeoning north.
VicRoads was keen to work with Bicycle Network to ensure that there were options for active transport for the local community for commuting and recreational purposes.
There was an existing shared path along sections of Plenty Road, but that will be extended and improved.
It will be a tight squeeze past the historic church, but overall the result will be great.
Importantly, provision will be made for road riders on this popular route out to Yan Yean and the hill country beyond.
Large numbers of riders take this busy road out of the metropolis at weekends, often in groups.
VicRoads engineers well understood the needs of these road users and working with Bicycle Network were able to design a wide, ridable shoulder, chevron-separated from the traffic lanes.
Storage boxes and bus lane treatments will improve security at intersections.
The project is being undertaken in two stages: the first, 2.8 km from McKimmies Road to Bush Boulevard – is getting underway now – and stage 2 continues out 7 km to Bridge Inn Road.
The project is expected to be completed by 2020.