Drivers in Melbourne’s north are a step closer to enjoying smoother and more reliable journeys, with major works finishing early and allowing the Craigieburn-Mickleham intersection to reopen 9 days ahead of schedule.
Construction crews worked around-the-clock between February and March to remove the existing roundabout, paving the way for a new signalised intersection. The intersection is now open with and additional lane in each direction, a newly laid asphalt surface, temporary traffic lights and a 40kmph speed limit 24/7.
Part of Victoria’s record multi-billion suburban road investment, the project has seen more than 42,000 cubic metres of rock, sand and clay moved over seven-weeks. Just over 5,710 tonnes of asphalt was laid allowing for the installation of permanent signals and pedestrian crossings later this year.
Underground equipment and connections for new traffic lights have now been installed and room has been created for new lanes to be added.
Over coming months,crews will continue working at the intersection to complete the remaining sections including building remaining lanes and installing permanent traffic lights.
Efforts will also ramp up along Craigieburn Road, with major works coming up at the Hardy Avenue roundabout, Bridgewater Road intersection and Cimberwood Drive, with lane reductions and detours to be in place.
The Mickleham Road intersection is one of 7 to be upgraded on Craigieburn Road between Mickleham Road and Hume Highway – with traffic lights to be added to Balyang Way, Dorchester Street and Cimberwood Drive, while roundabouts will be replaced with traffic lights at Waterview Boulevard and Hardy Avenue.
At the other end of the project, major works are also underway at Craigieburn Road and Hume Highway to create room for additional turning lanes, easing congestion and improving safety at this busy intersection.
As well as the intersection upgrades, drivers will benefit from an extra lane - where there is currently only one lane - in each direction between Mickleham Road and Hume Highway, and nearby bus priority lanes will improve public transport connections and help reduce congestion in the area.
A new traffic light crossing for pedestrians will be built near the near the Craigieburn Sports Stadium and D.S. Aitken Reserve - making it easier for the community to walk around the local area.
Craigieburn Road connects residential areas in the north to key routes, nearby freeways and the Melbourne Airport, carrying up to 28,000 vehicles each day.
The Craigieburn Road Upgrade is expected to be fully completed in 2025.
For project updates, visit the Craigieburn Road Upgrade project page.