We're undertaking a massive upgrade of the M80 Ring Road, reducing travel times and creating better connections for the community.

During consultation for the Environment Effects Statement in 2019, we heard that keeping Nell Street open to two-way traffic was important to the community.

We need to slightly widen the Greensborough Road Reserve at Nell Street to allow for this improved design as we build North East Link.

In April 2022, we asked locals around Nell Street what they thought about the proposed changes.

We received 26 submissions to inform a Planning Scheme Amendment for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to consider.

What we heard during consultation

Access

Locals want to keep using streets like they normally do once North East Link is built.

Traffic

Residents want to know how traffic will change during construction and once North East Link is built.

As North East Link will be built under Grimshaw Street, traffic will be taken under instead of through our local suburbs – giving local roads back to the community.

Urban design

The look and feel of Nell Street is important to the community.

We'll be able to share designs for the local area in 2023, after we've appointed a contractor for this section of works.

Construction impacts

Residents want to know how they will be affected by construction.

Building a project of this size comes with unavoidable impacts. Throughout the project, we will be working closely with the community to manage these impacts where we can.

Before major construction gets underway in 2024, we will be in touch with residents with more details about works planned for their area and expected impacts.

Consultation snapshot

• 26 submissions
• 1140 website views
• 1297 Facebook clicks
• 150+ letterbox drops
• 10+ conversations with stakeholders

Next steps

The Nell Street Planning Scheme Amendment was approved in September 2022.

We will continue with design work for this location and keep locals up to date as this progresses.

We expect designs to be finalised in 2023, after we've appointed a contractor for this section of works. The community will be able to provide feedback on the look and feel as part of the Urban Design and Landscape Plan exhibition in 2023.

Key dates

March 2019

• North East Link design shows Nell Street as a one-way road

Mid-2019

• Community asks to keep two-way access on Nell Street

October 2019

• Inquiry and Advisory Committee recommends Nell Street keeps two-way access

2021

• Planning Scheme Amendment process begins

April 2022

• Community consultation on proposed Planning Scheme Amendment

Mid-2022

• Community feedback is incorporated into proposed Planning Scheme Amendment

September 2022

• Nell Street Planning Scheme Amendment is approved

2023

• Designs released and community feedback sought on Urban Design and Landscape Plan

2024

• Construction begins on Ring Road Completion, from Watsonia to the M80 Ring Road

This information is current at the time of publication, however, changes may occur.