New traffic lights will be installed at a major intersection in Templestowe to deliver a safer and more efficient crossing for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Removing the Fitzsimons Lane-Porter Street roundabout will ensure better traffic flow for all road-users and will help clear a significant bottleneck and improve safety.
Construction crews will work around-the-clock for 7 weeks, from 6pm, Tuesday 26 April to 5pm, Sunday 12 June 2022, to
- remove the roundabout and install traffic lights
- conduct associated kerb and channel works
- undertake drainage works
- build footpaths
- conduct earthworks
- undertake pavement replacement
- undertake line-marking and install lighting.
Working this way will allow 6 months’ of work to be completed in 7 weeks.
This intersection is one of the busiest in Templestowe. As traffic volumes return to pre-pandemic levels, congestion during the morning and afternoon peaks regularly leads to queuing – causing delays, frustration and distress.
Two lanes of traffic will remain open on Williamsons Road/Fitzsimons Lane in both directions when works kick off on Tuesday 26 April. Temporary traffic lights will guide north-south motorists through the intersection.
A second stage of works will be carried out over the remainder of May and into June, with 1 lane to re-open for those traveling from Eltham turning left into the eastern leg of Porter Street towards Warrandyte.
With restrictions on traffic movements throughout the entirety of the major works period, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey. Delays of approximately 20-minutes are expected along detour routes.
Pedestrian and cyclist access has been maintained on select shared paths however, some verge areas are fenced off to ensure the safety of road workers. A pedestrian detour is in place through Templestowe Reserve.
By the time winter arrives, the temporary roundabout will be gone and the upgraded intersection will be open. Finishing works – including asphalting, line-marking and signage works – will continue throughout 2022.
The upgrade will also improve reliability of public transport with the introduction of bus prioritisation signalling.
Once traffic lights are installed at Porter Street, the project team will then turn their attention to major construction to upgrade the Foote Street intersection in Templestowe.
For more information or to sign up for updates, visit the Fitzsimons Road Upgrade - Porter Street page.
For up-to-date travel information and to plan your journey, visit ptv.vic.gov.au and vicroads.vic.gov.au.