Retaining wall construction begins

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Major milestones continue to be achieved on the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade, with retaining wall panels installation underway at the Main Road intersection.

The design has been developed with sensitivity to the area and provides a singular, sculptural ribbon-like treatment. It allows for an emphasis to be placed on retained vegetation and landscaping, as many trees were retained along the linear reserve.

As the project powers ahead with final completion works at Foote Street/Williamsons Road, Porter Street/Fitzsimons Lane, Main Road/Fitzsimons Lane and Leane Drive/Main Road intersections, foundation works have been completed and retaining wall panels will begin to be installed in Eltham from early-October.

Manufactured locally by Hollow Core Concrete in Laverton, the retaining wall panels being used by the project are between 1.2 metres and 5.2 metres tall.

Each panel is 2.4 metres wide and weigh up to 5 tonnes – the equivalent of two white rhinos. A crane will be used to lift the panels into place, with northbound lane closures to be in place at times during the installation.

A total of 95 retaining wall panels will be used to complete the retaining wall along the southern leg of the Fitzsimons-Main intersection.

The retaining wall panels feature a textured finish and a natural colour, reflecting feedback received through community engagement undertaken during the project. The retaining wall design draws on geological, historical and social influences.

Retaining wall installation in Eltham will be undertaken in early October.

Remaining works for the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade this year will see crews undertake lower impact works at the Foote Street and Porter Street intersections, including connecting new utilities assets, placing final wearing course, installing signage, safety barriers and finishing touches to new shared use paths for safer connections around Templestowe.

Once complete the project improvements will create a smoother and more reliable journey for more than 60,000 motorists who use the road each day.

Fitzsimons Lane is a key link between Eltham and Templestowe, with the upgrade reducing congestion in peak periods to provide more reliable travel times, improving safety and making walking and cycling around the community safer.

The Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade is being delivered with construction partner BMD Constructions with crews clocking more than 417,000 construction hours on the project so far.

The Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments and is due for completion in 2023.

With works on the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade continuing over spring, motorists are asked to plan their journey. For more information about planned disruptions over spring visit roadprojects.vic.gov.au/fitzsimons

Big Build Roads Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade