Stage 1 of the Mickleham Road Upgrade has reached another major milestone, with works to protect around 665 metres of the Somerton jet fuel pipeline now complete.
We've completed the key works to protect the pipeline this December, in another big step forward for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians towards a safer and less congested commute in Greenvale.
Since January this year, specialised workers have added significant layers of protection to the jet fuel pipeline beneath Somerton Road.
Trenches up to 2.5 metres deep were excavated to allow for the protective layers to be added to the existing fuel line. In total, 18,000 tonnes of material was removed to allow for the works to take place. During these critical works, crews worked carefully to ensure the supply of jet fuel to Melbourne Airport, which serviced over 30 million passengers in the past financial year alone, was uninterrupted.
With this work now complete, works to turn the Somerton Road-Mickleham Road roundabout into an intersection with traffic lights, extra lanes and dedicated turning lanes, will ramp up.
The Australian and Victorian Governments are investing $222 million to upgrade Mickleham Road between Somerton Road and Dellamore Boulevard in Greenvale – improving safety and travel times for thousands of motorists in Melbourne’s growing north.
Mickleham Road currently carries around 25,000 vehicles per day and this number is forecast to increase due to the rapid growth in the area. This vital upgrade will reduce congestion and make it safer for people to drive, cycle and walk along Mickleham Road.
New walking and cycling paths will be built on each side of the road for pedestrians and cyclists, improving connections to nearby public transport options.
The Mickleham Road Upgrade – Stage 1 is scheduled for completion in mid-2025.